You can gain much more than just money from summer work.  By considering positions where you may be able to try out a role, develop skills or gain industry insight, your summer work can be a viable alternative to an organised placement.

Listed below are a number of popular summer jobs with useful links. Many opportunities will also be advertised by firms in your local area, and remember to regularly check LSE CareerHub for summer jobs. 

Tourist industry

A large number of hotels and restaurants rely on student labour to fill vacancies during the busy summer period. You will need to speak the language of the country if possible and in return you will may get free accommodation, a salary and the chance to live in some of the most beautiful corners of the world.

You will be given the chance to visit great places, meet lots of people and improve any foreign languages you speak. Skills development may include commercial awareness, strengthening communication skills as well as your customer service and sales skills. Being able to work abroad shows high levels of flexibility and adaptability.

• PayAway.com - Tourism
• World travel and tourism council

Teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL)

Teaching English as a foreign language can be a rewarding job and can give you the opportunity to work in other countries. In the summer, TEFL work is available in children's summer camps in England or abroad. Most camps will offer bed and board in the contract.   

Once you have taken a TEFL course most course providers will have given you a provisional grade to use ahead of getting your certificate. In the UK the market for TEFL work is highly seasonal (summer months), whereas in Spain, for example, you can easily find work all year by switching from cities to summer school work. Generally, March is a good time to apply for jobs. The British Council lists accredited schools. Remember to check on LSE CareerHub for the latest jobs posted under 'Summer Opportunities'. For those who have already qualified, teachers are in high demand throughout China and Thailand. Korea, Japan, Eastern European countries and Vietnam are becoming increasingly popular.

Apart from getting the chance to visit some great places, you will get the chance to demonstrate your communication and presentation skills as well as the ability to inspire students to learn English. If you think that you enjoy teaching, you can work part-time as a tutor when you come back. Find out more information on TEFL in our teaching webpages.

• TEFL.com                                                                                                                        
• Prospects: Teaching English as a foreign language
• British Council
• Dave's ESL cafe
• DoTEFL - a global directory of TEFL courses

Summer camps

Employment at an activity camp over the summer is a great way to gain experience working with children while benefiting from the associated financial, social and developmental aspects. The skill and enthusiasm of dedicated staff at camps is the most important factor behind their success and is what makes a camp enjoyable for the children.

You are likely to receive useful training as most camps require staff to attend comprehensive training covering safety guidelines and site-specific risk assessments for every activity, and general safety topics including fire drills and security. You will be able to demonstrate your ability to work as a member of a team towards some common goals as well as the ability to work with children.

• Camp Beaumont
• PGL 
• Rockley Watersports - Summer water sports camps in Poole and France.
• SummerCamps.co.uk
• Summer Jobs 4 u.co.uk
• XUK Camps 
• Bunac
• TEFL.com - many summer camps which mainly teach English also advertise here for activity organisers.       
• CCUSA
• Camp America 

Work while travelling

The US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand all allow young people (dependent on nationality) to earn money while travelling; normally in fairly low paying jobs such as bar work, administration or agriculture.   Details vary by country; for some you have to get sponsorship from an organisation which will cost a fee, but they will then organise your visa and help you find work. Literally thousands of such organisations exist.   Be warned however, that if you do work one summer you may be unable to take a gap year there later.

The government webpages for these schemes are listed here, so that you can check the legal details.

• United States                                     
• Canada
• Australia
• New Zealand

Temping

If you decide to temp over the summer in London, you could attempt to find work by sector. Some firms have branches specialising in finance and accountancy, for example. Some firms may specialise based on their location; those around Bank and Liverpool Street cater mainly to finance and legal firms; agencies around Victoria may serve the government and civil service (though remember to sign up early so security passes can be processed).

Pay varies according to firm and your role. £8 - £11 an hour is typical, but will vary with each assignment.   It is normally best to sign up in person at agencies rather than on online: you can choose which branch you work for this way, and are much more likely to get immediate work. They may ask you to complete I.T tests, so make sure you practice your typing, MS Word and MS Excel skills beforehand. 

Temps are normally asked to only sign up with a single agency, but this is at your discretion. If you don't get offered work a few days after signing a temping contract, telephone the office when it opens to remind it you are searching for work. Employers for whom you temp are impressed by hard work, and sometimes offer work experience if you express an interest in their sector.  Temping firms in London include:

• Tate
• Office Angels
• Reed
• Hays - different branches serve different sectors
• Pathfinders - specialises in media careers
• Studentgems - an online company, which may allow you to use unusual skills such as photography or urban design.

Retail

In the summer, people shop more, staff go on holiday more, so retail shops recruit more! If you are looking for a full time summer job then showing a commitment to the company over a longer period of time, may well help secure the job.

Working in a shop is a great way of earning money and building experience. You will improve your face to face communication skills and be able to demonstrate commercial awareness as well as customer service skills. Many students start working part time in shops and other businesses and find that they can work part-time during term-time after the summer. Once you have been trained and are competent many companies will look to keep you and use the skills that you have acquired.

• Prospects: Retail - case studies, jobs, industry insight and job role descriptions
• Retail Careers

Call centres

Call centres are everywhere these days, whether it is customer service support or active selling. Although the work may be quite pressured (you may well be monitored), the rewards can be good, with high basic rates and in some sectors, very good commission. Summer jobs like telesales, or call centre work have high turnover rates so are fairly readily available.

If you need some money and have a good telephone manner, then this could be the way to build up your bank balance fast. The hours are not as restricted as normal shop hours; many call centres open 24hours a day, so it is a flexible way of earning money. You will improve your presentation, sales and communication skills.

• RecruitmentRevolution
• The Big Choice: Telesales

Event stewarding

Acting as a steward, your tasks may range from directing and ushering people to their seats to acting as a security barrier to prevent pitch invasions. You need to be well mannered and approachable in order to provide this service to members of the general public who may have paid to attend the event. Your specific role in a position of this sort depends entirely on the event, venue and stewarding company who have employed you. Any basic training or instruction needed will be provided on the day to ensure you are fully equipped to tackle any problems that may arise.

Event stewarding may allow you to work outdoors at high profile venues with high profile events - this type of work is perfect for the summer months.  If you are London-based, consider Wembley Arena, Wimbledon, The Arena Pavilion, Twickenham Rugby Ground, Lords and The Brit Oval Cricket Grounds, football clubs, Aintree, Cheltenham and Goodwood Racecourses. 

Stewarding experience will help you to demonstrate your people skills as well as your ability to work with difficult customers and provide excellent customer service. 

• Employment4students: Outdoor jobs
• ShowSec
• Select Security and Stewarding
• McKenzie Arnold security
• Oxfam festival stewarding
• Yolocal

Name: Louise Clancy
Current job title: Environment Programme Officer (Climate Change Adaptation and Water)
Current employer: Greater London Authority
University: Exeter University
Course: BSc (Hons) Biology and Geography
Year of graduation: 2002

1. Why did you choose your particular career?

"I went with my gut feeling at the time. I had the option of following a well defined career route on a graduate training scheme for a well known international business. The other option was to join the Environment Agency, in a graduate entry position, but without a graduate development scheme and with a much smaller salary. I accepted the Environment Agency role. My beliefs were more closely matched with the Environment Agency’s remit than that of the international business."

2. Do you have any tips for getting in/getting on in the industry?

"I was appointed for my first job by responding to an advert in a local newspaper and I had no prior exposure to the organisation.

However, someone who was appointed for the job a few years later had been a temp at the organisation first.  By temping they obtained a strong understanding of the organisation and how it was tackling climate change. This led to a very strong performance at their interview, despite their academic record not being as strong as other candidates.

One of my friends obtained their first job with an environmental consultancy by writing a letter to ask if they had any opportunities coming up. They were a small business and so didn’t want to spend lots of money on advertising the position.

I obtained all my subsequent jobs with people I had worked with previously e.g. people that I had attended workshops with, or worked more directly with.

Once you are in an industry opportunities are generally easier to find (I say generally as it can be very tough in the recession). The hardest part is getting into the industry. So its worth putting in the hard work to get that first opportunity."

3. What relevant skills and experience did you gain during your degree?

"My degree helped me to develop my different types of skill sets, including:

• Technical e.g. the science behind climate change
• Competency based skills e.g. analysis, project management, problem solving. For my dissertation I had to develop a process to help me solve a problem, analyse data, and manage the overall project to make sure I completed it on time.

I developed other competency based skill sets, such as team work, stakeholder engagement and communication from employment and voluntary positions.   For example, involvement in the University student-lecturer liaison board and as a social secretary for a University club."

4. How relevant was your subject of study in securing your position?

"My subject was relevant in securing my first position, and people who obtained the same job after me had fairly similar degrees. However, I remember a former colleague having a completely different degree but they had been able to show strong competency based skills that related to the role, and a genuine and well researched interest in the subject."

5. What do you enjoy about the job?

"The people are the most important aspect of any job. I have been fortunate enough to work with some really great people, who have taken the time to help me develop the skills.

I also enjoy the opportunity to apply a number of different skill sets, and generate ideas that people support and help to take forward."

6. Are there any less enjoyable parts of the job?

"Bureaucracy: Sometimes it can be over burdensome, and people with lots of responsibility and great judgement can’t make good decisions without going through lots of hoops."

Name: Sarah Johnson
Current job title: Policy Adviser
Current employer: Department of Energy and Climate Change
University:  Trinity College Dublin and LSE
Course: Trinity College Dublin - BA (Hons) Economics and Geography
LSE - MSc Environmental Policy and Regulation 
Year of graduation: 2007

1. Why did you choose your particular career?

"Whether we like it or not, work takes up a large proportion of our lives. With this in mind I think it’s important to do something you enjoy. Alongside this, given the scale of the problems posed by Climate Change, I don’t think enough is being done about it. Having worked in this area in the private sector I felt that there was a strong role to be played by Government and decided that if I want to really be part of the solution, that’s where I need to be."

2. Do you have any tips for getting in/getting on in the industry?

"There are a number of paths into the civil service. For graduates I would recommend the Fast Stream an accelerated development programme. Competition is stiff but this reflects the demand and the high quality of the scheme. Intensive training and development is provided along with unparalleled exposure to policy making and ministers and fast tracked promotion to senior civil service."

"In addition, candidates can apply for a specific advertised post through the Civil Service website. Some departments take interns, and there are many agencies and arm’s length bodies which can also provide an alternative route into the service.

3. What relevant skills and experience did you gain during your degree?

"I gained a good range of skills at LSE. My studies on policy development and what constitutes good policy were directly relevant and it’s great to be apply to apply these principles in practice as part of my work. Equally useful was the experience of giving frequent presentations and working in groups as part of assignments. Additionally, working with classmates from across the world and learning from their diverse experience was invaluable."

  4. How relevant was your subject of study in securing your position?

"The Fast Stream accepts applicants from all subject areas. However, where subject of study does become relevant is in your assignment to Departments. DECC only took 9 Fast Streamers in my year (from 14,500 applications across the scheme) and I believe my Environmental Policy and Regulation masters helped me secure one of these rare positions."

5. How did you get the job?

"I applied through the Fast Stream, applications open in September each year for the graduate scheme and there are two rounds each year for economists."

6.    What do you enjoy about the job?

"There are so many aspects of the job I enjoy. At the most fundamental level, it’s great to be involved with something you really believe in and where decisions you make can make a real difference. The atmosphere is very stimulating, I enjoy being surrounded by young hard-working intelligent people who are passionate about climate change. There is extensive opportunity for training and development with weekly talks from experts as well as more formal training throughout the year. The variety of work is excellent and I know I’ll be changing post, and potentially working on something completely different, at regular intervals throughout my career."

7.    Are there any less enjoyable parts of the job?

"It’s very fast paced with many demanding deadlines. It can be stressful but the benefits more than outweigh this"

8.   How would you like to progress in your caree

"I change posts every 9-12 months so I would like to gain broad experience in perhaps two more posts before seeking promotion out of the Fast Stream. The support and development opportunities on offer is so great that I want to take full advantage of them before completing the scheme. Following this the opportunities for progression both within the department, across the UK and into the EU are extensive."

In brief

Launching your own business is a popular choice for LSE graduates. With poster boys such as Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg, it has become attractive to create an enterprise alongside studying that can then be developed upon graduation.

Entrepreneurship covers a range of different career approaches, from creating a business, to thinking innovatively in a corporate setting, to approaching your career in an enterprising way. 

The key traits of a successful entrepreneur are: self-belief, disciplined dedication, strong money management, and a mix of flexibility and effective planning. 

Check out the LSE Generate programme, which is dedicated to supporting students as they build their business from scratch or consider entrepreneurship as a viable career path.

Where can you work?

• New ventures – as a startup founder or small business owner, your focus might be creating a company or franchise, starting a new venture or business line within an existing enterprise, or commercialising a technology or piece of research.
• An existing startup– many future business owners gain vital experience this way.
• Business incubators and accelerators – companies that help new and startup companies to develop, e.g. by seed funding or providing services such as management training or office space.
• Corporate entrepreneurship/intrapreneurship – institutionsacross every sector are affected by disruptive technologies. To survive, they have to adapt and develop their own innovative strategies. Graduates are often seen as attractive hires as they bring up-to-date knowledge on customer trends as well as a confident and more entrepreneurial mindset.

What's changing in the sector?

There is currently a strong focus on innovation to meet the demands of our ever-changing world and to solve the challenges that traditional work sectors are struggling to tackle – perfect for the entrepreneur.

Useful Websites

CareerHub – jobs board targeting LSE students, including events and networking opportunities.

VentureLoop – the worldwide leader in startup jobs focused on venture-backed companies.

Crunchboard – the official job board of TechCrunch, leveraging their audience of 12 million readers each month.

Mashable – job board with resume and interview tips.

Angel.co – a platform for startups to raise money, recruit and apply to incubators. A great resource for startups and candidates to mutually choose one another.

WeWorkRemotely – lists jobs that aren’t restricted by location.

Authentic Jobs – a targeted destination for hiring web and creative professionals.

Startupers – job board that hosts thousands of resumes and CVs of people who want to work in tech startups.

Otta – jobs board with internships and roles from the 500 fastest-growing companies in London.

Startup support

Great Business –provides useful links to a wide range of sources of startup advice in the UK.

Startup Britain – offers inspiration, resources and guidance.

Nesta – a global innovation foundation that backs new ideas.

LSE Generate – LSE support for student startups.

UK

US

Europe

Asia

Latin America and the Caribbean

Africa

Video interviews are growing in popularity with recruiters. They can be conducted live with a recruiter at the other end, for example using a video conferencing tool such as Skype or Google Hangouts, or you might record your responses to a set of online questions through your own PC, laptop, tablet or even your phone!

A pre-recorded interview is typically used at an early stage in the recruitment process, often replacing a telephone interview.

Types of video interview

1. Pre-recorded video interview

A recruiter invites you to complete your interview using their chosen host software. Software providers include Sonru and LaunchPad Recruits, which both provide further advice and information for candidates on their websites.

Once you’ve logged in (using details provided by your potential employer) you will have a set timeframe in which to complete your interview. There will usually be an opportunity to check that your microphone, speakers or webcam are working properly and to practise before recording your interview. This will allow you to check sound and picture quality as well as familiarise yourself with the process. The interviewer won’t see your practice recordings.

During the actual interview, the questions will be displayed on the screen and you will usually have a few seconds to read and then a separate time to record your answer, commonly 30-90 seconds. Note: the details are set by the recruiting company so the allotted times will vary.

You can normally control when you start recording each answer but once you have started there is usually no way to stop and restart the recording. If something goes wrong, solutions are often built in and the software should sort itself out. However, if you need technical assistance, the software providers have helplines available. Make a note of their contact details before you begin, just in case you need them.

2. Live video interview

This type of interview commonly occurs when you or the interviewer are unable to attend a face-to-face meeting. It can also save time for both the recruiter and candidate.

Apart from the fact that you are speaking remotely, it is usually conducted in the same way as a standard interview.

Preparing for a video interview

In both scenarios, the interview questions will be similar to those you might expect in a regular face-to-face or panel interview. Follow this link to view our advice on the different types of interview question you might encounter.

For a pre-recorded video interview, you will need to think more carefully about the length of your answers as there is usually a time limit imposed.

Warning: Don’t over-rehearse! It can be more difficult to display your personality in a recorded interview, and over-rehearsed answers can easily sound robotic or wooden.

Other things to think about include:

1. Location

• Distractions – choose a location that limits distractions and interruptions. Turn off phones or other devices, put pets in another room and stick a note on your door. If you’re not using your phone for the interview, put it away.
• Background – ensure that the background to your video is not distracting. A plain wall is usually best, or Skype now has a ‘Blur my background’ toggle you could use. Try to keep anything personal out of shot so the interviewer can’t make any judgements based on your belongings.
• Lighting – your room should be well lit. Avoid having a bright light source behind you as your face will then be in shadow and more difficult to see. Watch this short YouTube video about ‘How to look good on a Webcam’ if you want more advice. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMex-9FyljU
• Water – a dry mouth is a common side effect when you are nervous, so have a glass of water nearby.

2. Setting up your computer

• Internet – make sure you have a reliable internet connection. Have a plan B location organised just in case your broadband lets you down at the last minute.
• Test your equipment – check you have a working webcam and microphone (most laptops will have these built-in) and test everything before you start the interview. Aim to do this a few days in advance so you have plenty of time to sort out any problems.
• Instructions – if you’re interviewing through specific software, make sure you understand the instructions. Know how long you have for your answers, whether you can re-record, etc. The software provider’s website is often a useful resource for FAQs.
• Username – if you’re interviewing via Skype, and using a personal account, make sure your Skype name is formal enough for an interview situation.
• Camera position – aim for a head and upper body shot, with your camera slightly above eye level. Put your laptop on a box if you need to!
• Distractions – before the interview, close any programmes that might distract you with sounds or notifications on the screen.

3. Practise

If you haven’t experienced speaking over a video connection or seeing a recording of yourself before, you could start by simply recording yourself talking to a webcam. Note down anything that may seem distracting or unclear from the point of view of an employer listening to your answers.

You can also record and view your answers to interview questions on the following sites:

• Assessment Day – provides a list of common interview questions and allows you to record your responses and then play back and review them yourself. You’ll need to have a webcam and microphone connected to your PC or laptop, or allow access to your microphone and camera on your phone or tablet. You’ll also need Flash installed on your browser. The organisation will not have access to your recordings.
• LSE Careers also has a subscription to Interview Stream. This offers a database of interview questions across a range of sectors so you can create your own interview, record yourself answering questions and play back and review your responses.

We also offer the option of a practice video interview appointment with a careers consultant. Book a practice interview and then contact us to let us know you would like the appointment to take place over Skype.

4. Appearance and body language

• Dress as you would for a regular interview; smart business-wear is usually the safest option if you are unsure. Even though you might be at home, dressing smartly will help you to behave more professionally and find the right mindset for an interview.
• If you wear glasses, it might be a good idea to turn down the brightness on your monitor to minimise reflections.
• Avoid using notes if you can. If the interviewer sees you referring to them, they might assume you are underprepared or not committed to the interview.

You’ll find more information and advice about preparing for an interview here.

During a video interview 

Top tips

• Eye contact – to create an illusion of eye contact for the interviewer, look into your camera lens. However, in a format where you can see an image of the interviewer, e.g. via Skype, it can be useful to look at the screen from time to time in order to gauge the interviewer’s body language. Tempting as it may be, try to avoid looking at the picture of yourself that appears on your screen as you’ll seem distracted.
• Timing – in a pre-recorded interview, make sure you are aware of the time you have for each answer (it is usually displayed while you are recording) but try not to look at the clock too often.
• Posture – your posture should be relaxed but professional. Don’t slouch or lean too far back in your chair.
• Gestures – it is fine to use your hands to emphasize points you are making as this demonstrates enthusiasm and engagement, but try to avoid big gestures as they can be distracting for the interviewer.
• Vocalisation – speak loudly, clearly and more slowly than you usually would. If you’re interviewing via a video conferencing tool, there can sometimes be a short delay over the internet so try to take account of that to ensure you don’t keep interrupting the interviewer.
• Smile and be positive – as this will help you to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role and organisation. Smiling can feel less natural when you're not speaking to someone in person, so you’ll need to make an extra effort in a pre-recorded interview. It will come across in your voice.
• If anything goes wrong – be honest and let the interviewer know. If it’s a pre-recorded interview, you’ve clearly stated there is a problem so this can be taken into account. If it’s a Skype interview, it might be possible to reschedule – ask if you can exchange phone numbers with the interviewer at the beginning so you can call if your link goes down.

France recruiters will typically expect applicants to have a relevant degree and work experience as well as a grasp of the language to give you the best chance. 

You should also be aware that some occupations are regulated so you would need to confirm whether your qualifications will have to be validated. ENIC-NARIC France involves an equivalency review in which foreign qualifications are compared with a corresponding French qualification.

Getting started

• TARGET Jobs

Includes information on the French job market, applying for jobs and getting work experience.

• EURES - Living & Working: France

Links to the European job mobility portal with information for jobseekers on living and working in France.

Visas

EU Citizens have the right to work in other European countries without a work permit.  However non EU-nationals may be required to have a visa. Check with the French Embassy for information on the visas and permits you may require.

Language

Try the LSE Language Centre if you want to learn or improve speaking French.

Internship agreement

You may sometimes, as a result of the French national law, be required by your company to complete an internship agreement, called ‘Accord de stage’ or ‘Convention de stage’.

Find information here about how to request and complete an internship agreement from LSE Careers as well as how to request a company/government internship agreement to be signed.

CVs in France

The aim and format of CVs in France is largely the same as in the UK. However, below are some of the key differences and features of CVs in France.

A French CV should not exceed two pages; a one page CV is usually sufficient for a new graduate.

The ‘personal details’ section can include an email address, phone number and optionally a link to the LinkedIn public profile. The date and place of birth, marital status and number of children are not necessary, but not prohibited either.

Despite trends towards anonymous selection processes it is still quite usual to include a photo. This is then included at the right hand corner of your CV. Use a professional photo rather than one from a photo-booth.

It’s highly recommended in French CVs to add a title at the top of the CV, which usually corresponds to the job title you are applying to. It helps recruiters know you’re actually replying to their job advert. In addition, it’s also recommended to add a ‘subtitle’ under this title: use between one and three lines to highlight the key strengths of your application, in terms of previous experience, education and areas of specialism. These lines (similar to the ‘profile’ at the top of UK experienced CVs) will enable the recruiter to read your CV with these key strengths in mind.

Examples of French CVs

• There are several examples of French CVs and covering letters on the French section of Going Global.
• Monster.fr also includes an example of a tabular CV and covering letter as well as examples of sector specific CVs.

Covering letters in France

• A covering letter in France is called a ‘lettre de motivation’.
• The content of the covering letter is very similar to that in the UK – why you, why the role, why the company.
• A speculative application is called a ‘candidature spontanée’.

Further study and academia

Here is a list of useful websites for postgraduate study in France:

• Campus France

French Agency for the promotion of higher education, international student services, and international mobility.

• L’Etudiant

Portal about studies in France and other useful information for students

• Target Jobs - studying in France 
  Includes courses you can study, how to apply for courses, fees and scholarships and visas.

• Guide to studying in France
  University and scholarships search along with practical guides about studying in France.

Academic and research careers

An overview of academia in France is available from European University Institute: Academic Careers Observatory (ACO). The ACO facilitates the flow of knowledge among researchers about national academic careers and research opportunities in the social sciences and humanities, throughout Europe and beyond.

The pages on France higher education and academic career progression are informative.

The websites about competitiveness clusters in France (competitivite.gouv.fr and franceclusters.fr) list large and small firms, research laboratories and educational establishments, working together on collaborative research projects.

The site franceclusters.fr/nos-services/forum-de-lemploi includes a job board to work in clusters.

Academic vacancies

Vacancies for researchers throughout Europe, along with individual country portals and practical information is available through the researcher's portal of EURAXESS. This is written in English and is easily searchable by country, discipline and level of experience. Here is the French national EURAXESS website too.

The Association Bernard Gregory is specialised in recruiting and career development for doctoral candidates and PhD-holders.

Academic Positions is the European career network for Academics, Researchers and Scientists and lists job adverts in France too.

Further information from LSE Careers

• Careers information for PhD students and research staff
• Postgraduate study

Many LSE students and graduates choose to either live, work or study in Germany after graduation. If you are considering working in Germany after completing your course there are a few things that you need to be aware of.

German recruiters will typically expect applicants to have a relevant degree and work experience as well as a grasp of the language to give you the best chance.  You will also be expected to show a commitment to working in Germany, above simply having language skills.

Having professional experience in a German business environment is really helpful.  You should also be aware that some occupations are regulated so you would need to confirm whether your qualifications will have to be validated. Recognition Finder involves an equivalency review in which foreign qualifications are compared with a corresponding German qualification.

Getting started

• Job Hunting in Germany
  From TARGET Jobs. Includes information on the German job market, applying for jobs and getting work experience.
• Make it in Germany
  Practical information for people looking to start their career in Germany
• Job Mobility Portal
  Links to the European job mobility portal with information for jobseekers on living and working in Germany.

Visas

EU Citizens have the right to work in other European countries without a work permit.  However non EU-nationals may be required to have a visa. Check with the German embassy for information on the visas and permits you may require.

Language

Try the LSE Language Centre if you want to learn or improve speaking German.

Understanding the jobs market and recruitment methods used in the country you want to work in is important for a successful job search.

Find out more about living and working in Hong Kong:

• BBC - Hong Kong territory profile
  Hong Kong BBC profile
• GovHK: General Visa Requirements
  Hong Kong visa information
• Interactive Employment Service of the Labour Department
  The Labour Department of the Hong Kong Government provides this job board for both employers and jobseekers.
• Internations
  Careers and country information for a variety of countries.
• Just Landed
  Careers information and logistical and cultural information for working outside your home country.

Need to learn the local language first?

• LSE Language Centre

Understanding the jobs market and recruitment methods used in the country you want to work in is important for a successful job search.

Overview

The Indian economy has enjoyed sustained growth and, whilst this has slowed recently, it is still buoyant in global terms. Hiring across India, particularly campus recruitment, is expected to increase on its already strong levels despite the relatively poor economic picture. Recent changes to UK employment regulations for international students coupled with a growth in the number of multinational corporations based in India have seen increasing numbers of Indian students returning to their home country attracted by the new professional opportunities this offers. Whether you plan to work in India for the first time or are an international student returning home, having the right information is key.

India has major players across all sectors. According to The Economic Times of India, key sectors for campus recruiting are:

• banking
• manufacturing
• finance
• insurance
• real estate

Aggressive campus recruiting will be undertaken by multinationals and large national corporations in banking and manufacturing in particular (The Economic Times 2011).

According to Prospects, current areas of growth include:

• energy
• clothing
• telecommunications
• banking
• steel
• IT
• automobile

They also identify a shortage of skilled employees in all major industries.

Useful links

Indian and wanting to return for work?

• GradlinkIndia

Find out more about living and working in India:

• India Profile on BBC

  BBC profile on life and work in India

• Internations

  Careers and country information for a variety of countries.

• Just Landed

  Careers information and logistical and cultural information for working outside your home country.

• Prospects India profile

  Prospects profile on working in India

Need to learn a local language first?:

• LSE Language Centre

Understanding the jobs market and recruitment methods used in the country you want to work in is important for a successful job search.

Useful resources

• BBC - China country profile
• British Council China
  Connect people with learning opportunities and creative ideas from the UK
• China country profile on Prospects
  Includes information on the China job market, vacancy sources and further resources
• Euromonitor - China
  Market research for China
• Just Landed
  Careers information and logistical and cultural information for working outside your home country
• China's most attractive employers
  Results of a survey of Chinese graduates by Trendence

Finding opportunities

Chinese language job sites

• 51 Job
  A Chinese-language job search engine, this leading professional recruitment website conatines 3.2 million daily job offers. It also provides its variety of services in English.
• China HR
  A Chinese-language job search engine. It offers online recruitment, campus recruitment information and online career guidance. The site offers an executive search option for those holding graduate and higher credentials.
• Student Zhaopin
  A Chinese-language job search engine, this job board also offers an internship-specific search. Users are provided information on resume layout and cover letter writing. The site also has a service that recommends jobs to registered users via email. Users can see the number of resumes sent to a job posting.

English language job sites

• ChinaJOB
  English language site, the positions are mainly from the Chinese government and multinational companies focusing on science and technology, and education sectors. It offers an interview service that allows foreigners to stay in their respective locations for interviews instead of having to travel to China.
• Gradlink China
  English-based careers website designed for Chinese students and graduates in the UK. It has concise company profiles with a section on what the company looks for in potential employees. The site also provides the latest news and events on graduate labour markets across China.
• XPATjobs China
  English-based job search engine, offers positions which are relevant to higher-level education degree holders.

Need to learn the local language first?

• LSE Language Centre

Analysis Group

Analysis Group is one of the largest economics consulting firms, with more than 1,000 professionals across 14 offices in North America, Europe, and Asia. Since 1981, we have provided expertise in economics, finance, health care analytics, and strategy to top law firms, Fortune Global 500 companies, and government agencies worldwide. Our internal experts, together with our network of affiliated experts from academia, industry, and government, offer our clients exceptional breadth and depth of expertise.

Careers: Analysis Group seeks individuals with a demonstrated ability in economics, finance, accounting, health policy and outcomes, statistics, business strategy, and similar disciplines that emphasize expertise in quantitative and qualitative analysis. Our professionals are motivated by intellectual curiosity and a passion for solving complex business and litigation problems. Visit the Careers section of our website to learn more.

Brattle

Brattle provides consulting and expert testimony in economics, finance and regulation to corporations, law firms and governments around the world. We combine in-depth industry experience and rigorous analyses to help clients answer complex economic and financial questions in litigation and regulation, develop strategies for changing markets, and make critical business decisions.

We are distinguished by our credibility and the clarity of our insights, which arise from the stature of our experts, affiliations with leading international academics and industry specialists, and thoughtful, timely and transparent work. With a staff of over 350, we have offices in Boston, New York, San Francisco, Washington DC, London, Madrid, Rome, Toronto and Sydney.

Careers: We recruit graduates and undergraduates with a strong quantitative background. Candidates should apply online.

BRG

BRG provides economic and financial consulting services, primarily in competition matters and commercial disputes. We support clients, who include corporations, law firms, governments and regulators, across a range of geographies and sectors with financial, economic and accounting expertise, industry knowledge and evidence-based analysis. Our core practice areas include competition economics (including litigation, market investigations and merger control), forensic accounting and investigations, commercial litigation and arbitration, the regulated industries and business, property and intellectual property valuation.

Careers: Find out about working at BRG in EMEA, and find BRG vacancies on CareerHub.

Cambridge Econometrics

Cambridge Econometrics offer a consultancy capability to apply economic modelling and data analysis to a wide range of policy and business needs. They often work in collaboration with other consultants to provide a team that brings together the expertise required for a particular project. They also provide economic intelligence services, which explicitly link trends in the wider economy with outcomes in particular markets, sectors and local areas in the UK and Europe.

Careers: They post both current vacancies (entry level and experienced) on their website and also say they are willing to be approached speculatively. They will consider economist with undergraduate degrees but prefer postgraduate degrees.

CEPA

CEPA is an economic consulting business based in London and Sydney. The focus of their work covers public policy, finance and economics. They provide advice to a range of prominent clients in both public and private sectors across the world. CEPA’s sector offerings include energy, water, transport, global health and international infrastructure. Their independent advice utilises both quantitative and qualitative analysis and aims to support policy makers in their decision making.

Careers: CEPA employs a large of LSE alumni in its staff and welcomes applications. Their junior economist programme takes place during Autumn of each year, where students with undergraduate degrees are welcomed (with a preference for postgraduate degrees). Their website provides information on other vacancies and they welcome speculative applications for senior positions.

Capital Economics

Capital Economics is a macroeconomic consultancy supplying independent economic analysis to institutional and corporate clients across the globe. They provide research on the US, Europe, Asia and the UK, and on the property sector. They act as outsourced economic advisers for their clients. Services include the provision of written economic research, as well as talks to management groups to presentations to hundreds of their clients. They also undertake bespoke research projects commissioned by companies, government agencies, and trade associations.

Careers: They post specific vacancies on their website as well as inviting speculative applications. They are likely to have a preference for postgraduate economists with some work experience.

Centre for Economic and Business Research (cebr)

cebr is an independent consultancy that provides analysis, forecasts and strategic advice to companies of all sizes, financial institutions, government departments and agencies, trade bodies and the European Commission. Their forecasts are used by a diverse audience of business people, policy makers and journalists, including the Treasury.

Compass Lexecon

Compass Lexecon EMEA advises on economic issues related to competition policy, economic and financial regulation, public policy and the assessment of damages, across all industries. We are passionate about applying economics to influence real-world outcomes and drive positive change in competition policy. We recruit and develop talented people to produce cutting-edge economic analysis that is credible and high quality so that clients can depend on our practical guidance. Our clients include law firms, corporations and government bodies engaged in legal and regulatory proceedings. We develop a thorough understanding of the economic issues they face and analyse these to produce compelling empirical evidence. Our working approach is firmly grounded in shared values of integrity, respect, teamwork, excellence, and contribution to society. Our diverse team of over 200 professionals has advised on some of the most high-profile cases before the European Commission, the General Court and national competition authorities, regulators and courts.

Careers: Compass Lexecon EMEA welcomes applications from exceptional economists expecting to attain an Undergraduate, Masters or PhD in Economics, especially those that have specialised in industrial organisation, econometrics or microeconomics.  Please visit our website for more information about us and our careers site for a list of our current opportunities. 

Cornerstone Research

Cornerstone Research is a leading economic and financial consulting firm with more than 500 staff members across eight offices. Working in collaboration with prominent professors and industry experts, we analyze complex economic, financial, accounting, and marketing issues that arise in litigation and regulatory investigations. 

Careers: Cornerstone Research is interested in hiring analysts and summer analysts for its offices in London, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Menlo Park (CA), New York, Boston, Washington, DC, and Chicago. We seek candidates who have pursued undergraduate, masters or doctoral studies in finance, economics, econometrics, accounting, and marketing, with the ability to apply academic research to real-world issues and present concise explanations of complex analyses. Interested candidates should apply online.

CRA International

CRA provides economic, financial and business consulting services principally to clients located in the UK, continental Europe and the Middle East. The London-based staff focus on Competition and Litigation Support, Financial Services and business consulting in the Chemicals & Petroleum industries.

Careers: In London undergraduates are recruited as Analysts and postgraduates as Consulting Associate or Senior Associate. A background in at least two of the following is required: Microeconomics; Econometrics; and Industrial Economics. Available opportunities are posted on their website for the UK and other locations.

Deloitte - Economic consulting within Corporate Finance

Deloitte's Economic Consulting team sits within the Corporate Finance service area as one of the 'specialist' teams and consists of economists, econometricians and financial analysts who apply economic thinking to business and regulatory problems. They combine modeling skills with deep industry knowledge to provide professional economic advice to companies, regulators and government. 

E.CA Economics

E.CA Economics is one of the leading economic consultancy firms providing case-related advice and research in the competition policy and regulation fields. Our work includes mergers, antitrust and state aid cases, economic analyses within regulatory procedures and studies on competition policy issues for international organisations. We are currently expanding our presence in London and look forward to welcoming fresh talent. Our headquarters are in central Berlin with offices in Brussels, London and Munich as well. We work as one team across offices and our main language is English.

We work in close partnership with a leading US consultancy, Bates White, and the international business school ESMT Berlin as well as a number of leading experts in the competition field. Throughout our history, we have built an excellent reputation for reliable and high-quality analysis, and have established ourselves as a key player in the European economic consulting market.

Careers: Find E.CA vacancies on CareerHub.

Economic Consulting Associates (ECA)

ECA was formed in 1997 to provide economic and regulatory consulting services to industry and government, in the UK and worldwide.

ECA provides structured and analytical solutions to problems in the infrastructure sectors. They combine the application of economic principles and industry knowledge with best international practice, complemented by rigorous quantitative modelling capability.

Careers: Find out about working at ECA and find ECA vacancies on CareerHub.

Economic Insight

Economic Insight is a leading economics consultancy.  We combine rigorous economics and exceptional consulting skills to help clients make the best decisions.  Whether using quantitative or qualitative analysis, we cut through complexities and provide our clients with clear, concise and robust answers to their questions.  We work for both public and private sector organisations across the practice areas of competition, regulation, public policy and strategy.  Although our projects can relate to any sector of the economy, we have particular experience in relation to energy, water, aviation, telecoms, automotive and legal services sectors.

Careers: We look for first rate candidates from top universities who have a strong understanding of economic theory and, most importantly, the ability to use this understanding to solve real-world problems.  Further details can be found on our website. 

Europe Economics

Europe Economics provides consultancy services in economic regulation, competition policy and the application of economics to public policy and business issues. Clients include government departments, regulators, international bodies, law firms and private-sector companies and associations.

Careers: Entry-level recruits generally join as either Analysts (postgraduate degree) or Research Officers (undergraduate degree). A strong background in micro-economics, industrial organisation and/or econometrics is highly valued. Information on how to apply is on their website.

Fideres

Fideres was founded in 2009 to investigate corporate and financial wrongdoing. We specialise in researching and uncovering competition and financial markets wrongdoing and bringing it to the attention of law firms and regulators.

We believe in fair and transparent markets, and we are the only economic consultancy working on the side of the plaintiff, against corporates and financial institutions.

Our work has led to major antitrust legal actions against Big Tech (including Apple, Amazon and Facebook), Big Pharma, Big Finance and Big Agriculture. Meanwhile our original and innovative investigations into the dumping of sewage and Covid-19 testing have led to national press coverage.

Our Financial and Securities Litigation team are the consulting and testifying expert for plaintiffs in almost all landmark financial litigations. We are leaders in our field and we have supported our clients in recovering billions of dollars in settlements for plaintiffs, in 2022 alone.

Careers: We recruit quantitative Economists for our Competition team and for our Financial and Securities Litigation team. Applications from MSc or PhD level candidates are preferred, but we do consider applications from undergraduates. Applications for internships are considered on an adhoc basis. We recruit for our offices in London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Rome and New York and we offer visa sponsorship to work in London for qualifying graduates. Please visit the careers section on our website for more information on our current vacancies: BambooHR.

Frontier Economics

An economic consultancy with offices in the UK, Belgium, Germany and Australia that works with clients across a range of sectors including energy, financial services, media, health, post, telecoms, transport and water on issues concerned with competition policy, public policy, regulation and strategy amongst others.

Careers: In addition to recruiting experienced economists they recruit new graduates (Masters and PhDs preferred) as Analysts and offer internships (undergraduates and postgraduates).

FTI Consulting

FTI Consulting is a global advisory company, dedicated to helping organisations navigate and manage a wide variety of complex issues. They employ 4,400 professionals in 77 cities across 27 countries  to serve clients whenever challenges and opportunities arise. They employ experts in 18 industry specialties, including two Nobel Laureates. The Economic and Financial Consulting Practice advises law firms, companies, regulators and government bodies by applying clear and focused analysis to complex, unstructured problems in economics and finance.

Careers: The Economic and Financial Consulting practice recruits 15-20 graduates every year through its graduate scheme. They look for candidates, both at undergraduate and postgraduate level, who are highly numerate, analytical, and inquisitive. They do not require a specific academic major or industry experience. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of a 2:1 degree (or equivalent). They offer visa sponsorship for qualifying graduates. Information on how to apply is on their website.

London Economics

London Economics is a specialist economics consultancy and, since 2000, is part of the Indecon International Economic Consultancy Group. London Economics' HQ is in London, and it works in partnership with the French firm, Stratorg International, which gives it a global reach. They provide strategic advice to large multinationals, small high-growth businesses, government and non-governmental organisations and offer expert support on regulatory issues, market entry strategies, litigation, risk analysis, financial modelling and policy design. 

Careers: They recruit at the postgraduate level and post vacancies on their website.

NERA Economic Consultancy

NERA is an international economic consulting firm providing research and analysis of economic and financial issues arising in litigation, regulation, public policy and management. They work with corporations, governments, law firms, regulatory agencies, trade associations, and international agencies. They have over 20 offices across North and South America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. They specialise in industrial and financial economics.

Careers:  They usually recruit for their major offices across the US and in Brussels, Frankfurt, London, Madrid, Paris, Rome, Sydney, Melbourne, Shanghai, and Tokyo. In London entry level positions exist at Research Officer and Analyst level for postgraduate applicants. Internships are usually available (for postgraduate students) over the summer period as well as at other times of the year.

Oxford Analytica

Oxford Analytica is an international, independent consulting firm drawing on a network of over 1,000 senior faculty members at Oxford and other major universities and research institutions around the world. They provide business and government leaders with geopolitical, macroeconomic and social analysis of developments around the world. Their offices are located in Oxford, UK and Washington DC, USA.

Careers: They advertise US and UK internships on their website.

Oxford Economics

Founded in 1981 as a commercial venture with Oxford University’s business college, Oxford Economics is engaged in two main areas of activity. One is global macroeconomic and industry forecasting services. The other is bespoke consultancy services; answering specific economic questions with rigorous analysis on behalf of a diverse range of international clients.

Headquartered in Oxford, with regional centres in London, New York, and Singapore, they employ over 240 people, including more than 160 professional economists, industry experts and business editors. Their worldwide client base now comprises over 850 organisations across the globe, including leading multinational companies and financial institutions; key government bodies and trade associations; and top universities, consultancies, and think tanks.

Careers: Oxford Economics has a graduate recruitment programme which starts in September. Applications can be submitted in the autumn, further details are posted on their website. Other vacancies are also posted on their website. They are likely to have a preference for postgraduate economists with some work experience.

Oxera

Oxera is an economics and finance consultancy which was founded on a single principle: to use the power of economics and finance to answer the world’s most difficult challenges.

Oxera has played an exciting role in shaping regulation across the world. For over 40 years, Oxera has worked closely with companies, governments, the smartest academic minds and professional partners to win groundbreaking commercial cases and delivered fresh and creative work that continues to withstand the scrutiny of markets, regulators, and the test of time.

Oxera has 9 offices across Europe and over 240 colleagues speaking 30 languages between them.

Careers: They recruit undergraduates and postgraduates into Analyst positions and also offer internships.

PA Consulting – Economic consulting

PA Consulting is a global consulting firm with a track record of delivering award-winning work. Its Economic Consulting team is growing at pace and is working with some of the largest clients across Government and industry, using economic principles to develop practical solutions for regulation and policy, business strategy, econometric forecasting, competition policy and more.

Careers: PA Consulting recruits both experienced economists and graduates. They have a preference for postgraduate economists, ideally with a focus on industrial organisation and empirical modules. Vacancies are posted on their website year-round.

PWC - Economics practice

Economists at PWC sit within two main business units: Market & Value Advisory Economics (Telecom, Energy, Utilities & Infrastructure, Europe (including Macroeconomics)); and Performance Improvement Consulting Economics (Policy and Sustainability).

Careers: They require an undergraduate and/or postgraduate degree in economics; more information is available online.

RBB Economics

RBB is an economics consultancy specialising in UK and European competition law, including merger, cartel, and abuse investigations, litigation, regulation, and restrictive agreements cases, at both European and individual member state levels. Offices in London, Rome, Brussels and the Hague.

Careers: A postgraduate degree is preferred as is an interest in industrial economics. Further information is available on the RBB website and via vacancies@rbbecon.com

SQW

SQW Consulting is an independent consultancy in the area of economic and social development. The firm was founded in Cambridge in 1983 and employs over 70 staff at its offices in Cambridge, Edinburgh, Leeds, London and Manchester. They offer consultancy services in a diverse range of fields, from science & technology, ICT and innovation to rural development, neighbourhood renewal and regional development. Clients include government departments in the UK and overseas, devolved administrations, regional development agencies, funding bodies, local authorities, partnerships and international organisations.

Careers: The entry level for graduate recruitment is Research Consultant (an undergraduate degree is sufficient) and new entrants start a 2-year development programme. Candidates can apply all year around; full details are on the website.

Vivid Economics

Vivid Economics is a strategic economics consultancy with a distinctly values-driven culture. Their aim is to create lasting value for their clients, both in government and the private sector, and for society at large. They work where public and private interests meet in natural resources, particularly energy and climate, and development finance. Their clients require bespoke solutions for both policy and commercial questions, often at a strategic level. This means they offer you an opportunity to apply economics to important issues, which often go beyond the standard topics of economic consultancy. Vivid is based in London.

Careers: They recruit graduates annually from September, to start at the end of the academic year. They prefer people with post-graduate degrees but also recruit highly able undergraduates. Paid summer internships are also offered, with applications opening in late January. Speculative applications are also welcome. People normally join as Analysts or Economists, depending on education level and experience. Details can be found on their website or from careers@vivideconomics.com.

Information and analysis providers

Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU)

The EIU provides a constant flow of analysis and forecasts on more than 200 countries and eight key industries. They help executives make informed business decisions through dependable intelligence delivered online, in print, in customised research as well as through conferences and peer interchange.
Recruitment and internships are offered through the Economist Group website .

Careers: Research internships at the EIU are usually attached to one of the regional teams (Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, Central & Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Middle East & North Africa, Latin America, plus Economics/Data Services for those with a particular interest in macroeconomic data and Excel). There are also internship opportunities in Wire Services, which is responsible for generating daily political, economic and market analysis on 201 countries, and Executive Services, which is home to their custom publishing and research activities. Applicants should have an interest in economics and should be undertaking undergraduate or post-graduate studies that include economics. Most internships take place during the summer; however, a few internships are also offered at other times of the year.

Global Insight

Global Insight provides comprehensive economic, financial, and political coverage of countries, regions, and industries-covering over 200 countries and spanning more than 170 industries-using a combination of expertise, models, data, and software within a common analytical framework to support planning and decision making. Their offices are located in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa. 

Careers: Jobs are advertised on their website.

International Consulting Economists' Association

An organisation which facilitates networking for economic consultants. Browse members' CVs, which allow you to see routes through the profession.

CEPA is an economic consulting business based in London and Sydney. The focus of their work covers public policy, finance and economics. They provide advice to a range of prominent clients in both public and private sectors across the world. CEPA’s sector offerings include energy, water, transport, global health and international infrastructure. Their independent advice utilises both quantitative and qualitative analysis and aims to support policy makers in their decision making.

Careers: CEPA employs a large of LSE alumni in its staff and welcomes applications. Their junior economist programme takes place during Autumn of each year, where students with undergraduate degrees are welcomed (with a preference for postgraduate degrees). Their website provides information on other vacancies and they welcome speculative applications for senior positions.

I have always loved psychology and I wanted to continue my education by focusing on the subject from an organisational standpoint, including topics such as culture, communication, and identity. Studying psychology from different cultural perspectives was very important to me, so I was interested in LSE because of its diverse student population. As I was making my final graduate school decision, I distinctly remember a former colleague describing LSE as "intellectually vast," which really convinced me of the value of being part of such an international student body.

Overall, how do you look back on your LSE experience?

Studying at LSE was one of the best decisions I have ever made! The academics of my MSc degree provided a valuable educational experience which has since genuinely enhanced my career, and many classmates I met through my program continue to be colleagues and good friends.

Please describe your career path to date:

After graduating from LSE and returning to my home country (USA), I began searching for and applying to jobs in the field of international education. I started my current job in New York City within a few months and have been there ever since.

Why did you choose your current job?

Studying in such a diverse, international environment at LSE made me appreciate the value of international education, and I realised I wanted to work towards providing that same type of opportunity to as many students as possible.

Tell us about your current job:

I manage New York-based internship programs for an international education non-profit organisation. Essentially, I work with students from all over the world who come to New York City for internships - it's similar to study abroad, but the education is more experiential than classroom-based programs. Year-round, my job is very dynamic as my work cycle is tied to the academic calendar. I go through more organisational/administrative phases when I am liaising with international universities and local employers and preparing for students to arrive, and much more active phases when interns are actually on the ground in New York and I am leading them on events, workshops, etc. Though the company I work for is large and multinational, my office in New York is just myself and my supervisor. The work environment is flexible and affords a lot of responsibility and therefore personal satisfaction. The best part of my job is getting to meet students from other countries and other states in the US, learn about their lives and homes, and guide them through an experience in New York that is usually as transformative for them as my own experiences in international education were for me.

What advice do you have for LSE students who are looking to enter a similar profession to you?

If you have an interest in international education, you'll learn as much outside the classroom at LSE as in it. Get to know your classmates, lecturers, and peers in London and learn from people who come from other cultures.

Global reputation. Chance to go in exchange to leading Chinese university.

Overall, how do you look back on your LSE experience?

Very rigorous lectures. Amazing opportunities to go abroad.

Tell us about your current job:

I always wanted to work in the industries I thought were the most international. I also enjoyed very much finance and geopolitics. As such, Energy and International development industries were always on the top of my mind. I joined Total E&P in Canada as an Oil & Gas Economist. As an Economist, we modelled and projected the financials of Total's huge Oil & Gas projects in Canada and the pipelines that allow to take the oil out of the country. After a year of training there, I was sent to Total's subsidiary in Kazakhstan, where I was in charge of the modelling the financials of Total's investments in the country. We help management deciding if it is worth further investing in the country, valuing our oil & gas projects and helping management understand where the value is. I was then hire by BP to work on their biggest subsidiary: Angola, where we are modelling the financials and helping the top management on business decisions: new investments, asset stake sales and projections of the government take.

What advice do you have for LSE students who are looking to enter a similar profession to you?

Follow your passion and smile ! Woop Woop !

The School's global reputation. The reason to choose the programme was because I wanted to learn more about psychological factors affecting everyday work environments.

Overall, how do you look back on your LSE experience?

It was a fantastic experience. Intellectually stimulating.

Please describe your career path to date:

Post LSE, I joined as a Director in one of the world's bigger private K-12 education company, spearheading the creation of an in-house innovation unit.

Why did you choose your current job?

I've been an entrepreneur before and it was something I would always eventually return to.

Tell us about your current job:

I'm the founder and CEO of a media-tech startup called Storiyoh based out of Mumbai, India. Its exhilarating to create a unique product from the ground up and involves not just vision but also detailed execution. The main skill that is really required is understanding how the brain works so that one can optimise everyday.

What advice do you have for LSE students who are looking to enter a similar profession to you?

I would always advice students to try out entrepreneurship by starting up even very small businesses. This will given them a feel for business and will allow them to discover their strengths and weaknesses. This is absolutely important. You have to get out of your comfort zone to learn something valuable, and without learning - almost constantly - there is no progress.

I chose LSE due to it's global reputation but also because it is the best university in the UK for my specific degree subject.

Overall, how do you look back on your LSE experience?

I look back on my time at LSE with really fond memories - although my time there flew by! It was good fun being in London and meeting people from all over the globe, but it is also a place where everyone takes their studies seriously and so you're naturally encouraged to work very hard. Looking back, the focus and determination I had to succeed at university has continued with me and certainly helped me with my career to date.

Please describe your career path to date:

I left LSE and worked at City University London for 9 months. This started out as a temp job so I could earn money to go travelling. Once I had been travelling, I moved into the world of Learning and Professional Development, working at the Mind Gym. After a year, I decided to leave as there wasn't much room to progress. Since then, I've been working for the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) for their Academy of Professional Development.

Why did you choose your current job?

I chose my current job as I really enjoy working in Learning and Development. As an account manager, my role is very varied and offers great exposure to a range of clients and stakeholders.

Tell us about your current job:

My current job is based at the ICAEW's London offices. I manage all aspects of programme delivery for clients, from the finance side (invoicing, raising POs etc) and managing the facilitator relationships, to the final evaluation stage. In terms of skills, you need to be able to juggle several different projects and programmes at once, so attention to detail and great organisation is really important. Relationship building is also key to grow the client accounts and maintain the supplier relationships.

What advice do you have for LSE students who are looking to enter a similar profession to you?

Work hard and grab all opportunities you're given during your time at LSE. When you look back, you'll appreciate the confidence and skills gained, which you don't necessarily appreciate at the time, but they will most definitely help you early on in your career.

Recommendation from undergraduate professor, quality of department, reputation of university, location.

Overall, how do you look back on your LSE experience?

My education at LSE provided me with an opportunity to meet people from around the world, who challenged me to think bigger, push past my comfort zone, and never stop my academic pursuits.

Please describe your career path to date:

I got an internship in Marketing while finishing my dissertation in July / Aug 2014.  I continued with the same internship after completion and then was offered a full-time role with the company post-graduation as Marketing Executive. (They sponsored my visa as well).  Three years on, and I'm still with them today, having been promoted to Marketing Manager.

Why did you choose your current job?

Interested in marketing and the technology sector - we work with tech and digital firms.

Tell us about your current job:

Responsible for all marketing and communications activities, including: marketing strategy, employer branding, website design, build, and maintenance, event planning, content and community management, branding and messaging, internal communications, press releases, liaising with journalists, monitoring customer satisfaction, PR and award-writing, videography, and graphics.

What advice do you have for LSE students who are looking to enter a similar profession to you?

Get in the door early, find an internship first and use that to network / leverage to get into the job or company you want.  Small companies are more flexible and often much easier to get a foot in the door.

I chose LSE because of the quality of education and the school's reputation globally. I chose the MPA so I could get into development but have a wide range of options.

Overall, how do you look back on your LSE experience?

My time at LSE was definitely the best of my life. I grew on both a professional and personal level and made friendships that will last forever.

Please describe your career path to date:

Prior to studying at LSE, I worked in budgeting and finance in the private sector. Since then, I have been working at the IDB, first in the Budget Division and now in the front office for the Country Department Belize, Central America, Haiti, Mexico, Panama and Dominican Republic.

Why did you choose your current job?

I wanted to have a more direct impact on Bank operations. Through my daily activities, I make sure that our resources are utilized in the most efficient way possible.

Tell us about your current job:

I work in the Department's front office in Washington DC, where we supervise the Representations' budget execution, ensuring efficiency and alignment with policies. The work can get very technical on the budgeting side; it's important to have prior experience and to be proficient in using Bank systems. When working on HR matters, like work-life balance, creativity is important.

What advice do you have for LSE students who are looking to enter a similar profession to you?

I got into the Bank by applying online, without any connections. While I know this is feasible because I did it, I have learned that networking and building relationships is critical at the Bank and can help you get the positions you want.

I chose LSE and my particular MSc programme for three reasons: 1. It was both English speaking and not in North America. 2. It had a reputation for academic excellence and curiosity, which is well summed up by the school’s motto – “to know the causes of things.” 3. The programme combined practical elements with theory and research – this was not just a trade’s programme that would teach me to work in a PR agency; this was a truly academic communications programme.

Overall, how do you look back on your LSE experience?

My time at LSE was excellent and I would do it all again.

Please describe your career path to date:

The day I handed in my dissertation I flew home to Canada to complete a short term contract with the BC Wildfire Management Branch as a Public Information Officer – my home province was having an exceptionally busy wildfire season and, as I had worked for the branch before starting my Master’s, I was offered the contract. This opportunity helped to solidify my practical crisis communications credentials and helped me to get the job I now have.

After completing the contract I returned to London and started looking for work. After a couple months I was offered a position with my current employer as a Crisis Response Manager. After a year in the role, I was offered the COO position, which I now hold.

Why did you choose your current job?

It sounded exciting and I thought it would give me a chance to gain crisis communications experience in another sector.

Tell us about your current job:

I manage Navigate Response’s global operations including business development, crisis response training and coordinating with our network of 38 offices in 24 countries.

We specialise in Maritime Crisis Communications and help our clients (mostly shipping companies) to communicate with external stakeholders (mostly via the media and social media) during any crisis that might impact the client’s operations. We respond to about 60 incidents a year ranging from oil spills, to pirate attacks.

I am based in our London offices at the Baltic Exchange in the City of London, but spend almost 100 days a year traveling, mostly for meetings and to deliver training and strategy sessions for our clients.

The ability to write quickly and clearly and the ability to speak confidently and engagingly to divers groups of people are the two most vital skills for my position. I need to have the experience and confidence to deliver high-level advice, often under intense pressure and to collaborate with the many organisations that come together to respond to a maritime incident.

What advice do you have for LSE students who are looking to enter a similar profession to you?

Get as much practical experience as you can. A degree is a big help, but it alone will never get you a good job in this industry, you must have experience – volunteer to run communications for a charity or even a university club, look for seasonal contracts such as in parks, tourism, or emergency response. And critically, consume a lot of news. When you hear a story ask yourself what the strategy is for those involved and ask yourself how you could have managed the story better for each of the players. 

I chose LSE and my particular MSc programme for three reasons: 1. It was both English speaking and not in North America. 2. It had a reputation for academic excellence and curiosity, which is well summed up by the school’s motto – “to know the causes of things.” 3. The programme combined practical elements with theory and research – this was not just a trade’s programme that would teach me to work in a PR agency; this was a truly academic communications programme.

I chose LSE (to study media and communications) because of the potential for study that incorporated theory and practice that was more international than grounded purely in a single culture's tradition. This seemed important given the reality that communications technology and information industries today, though certainly locally influenced and adapted, are not constrained to national/political/geographical boundaries.

Overall, how do you look back on your LSE experience?

I look back on my LSE experience as incredibly open, encouraging and useful. I found an open door to the offices of all of the professors I hoped to speak more with, engaged in incredibly rich and surprising conversations here and there, and felt like I was a part of an institution that was itself growing and challenging itself to stay relevant without being reactive.

Please describe your career path to date:

Studying at LSE and living in London opened my eyes to inequalities and issues of my own country (the United States) that I may not have been as well equipped to understand had I stayed stateside. By the time I came back home and had undergone the entire process of my dissertation, I had reflected deeply enough on my own values and responsibilities to society that my job process and priorities had become more clear to me. I headed back into the job market with an eye to doing very thoughtful, research-oriented communications for the nonprofit sector, which I had earlier in life eschewed.

Why did you choose your current job?

I chose my current job in large part because it reflected values that I had discerned as important to me and important to society--particularly through and after my time in London--and because of its treatment and approach to communications that was deep, thoughtful and honest. Of course, all of this would have been hard to know 100 percent before being ON the job for a while, but I think I have been extremely lucky in finding that I was wrong in the least.

Tell us about your current job:

My current job consists of much research and learning about the work and achievements of my colleagues, the external communications of which I support. Our audiences are our partners, including peer funding organizations whose strategies may or may not align with ours and grantee organizations who are doing the important work on the ground. My job therefore entails much writing, as well, of messages of all lengths, sizes and formats (from emails to feature profiles of things we are learning and from whom). It also demands a lot of deep investigation into the surrounding news, media and public discourse environment within which we sit. If we are in any way talking, we must more so be listening. It is a dynamic job in which I'm constantly learning. (I hope you can hear the love.)

What advice do you have for LSE students who are looking to enter a similar profession to you?

For aspiring communications practitioners: Learn how to listen very carefully to people--the things they say and the things they don't say. Only then can you ask relevant, deep, investigative questions that truly connect to them. And only then can you discern how to respond and communicate in a way that falls on ready ears. Communications is a practice of good relationships.

Jobs in academia usually consist of a combination of teaching and research; the proportion, and the relative importance placed on these depends both on the post you take, and on the university where you work. The most prominent universities in the UK – The Russell Group – derive much of their prestige from the quality of research, so to secure an academic post at one of these you must be able to demonstrate strong research. The Research Excellent Frrankwork measures department's research output. UK universities are increasing valuing their students' experience and strive to deliver high quality teaching and learning. The Teaching Excellence Framework measures this. Evidence of impact outside academia is the third factor required for jobs in academia. 

 Academic positions that are primarily centred around teaching are:

• Lectureships – permanent, or sometimes fixed term.
• Post-doctoral teaching fellowships – typically last one or two years and are often part-time and /or temporary positions.

 University salaries are verging towards a nationally agreed pay spine. From the linked table you'll be able to see the range of salaries available for full-time lecturers to professors. However, be aware that part-time lectureships may, in practice, involve more input in terms of preparation and marking than the hours upon which the pro-rata salary is calculated.

In order to get a teaching position, you would ordinarily need a Doctorate and to have had some of your work published, or articles currently under peer review for publication. You would also need some teaching experience and a teaching qualification; you can acquire these while studying for your PhD.

Teaching experience

The best way to gain teaching experience in Higher Education whilst at LSE is by becoming a Graduate Teaching Assistant. This normally involves teaching a module under the guidance of a course convenor: delivering lessons, marking work and holding regular office hours where you can help undergraduate students individually. There will be payment for these positions, although there is no direct payment for the mandatory lesson preparation, weekly marking or the office hours.

The school employs approximately 500 GTAs every year. Technically you have to be a PhD student; MSc students are employed in exceptional circumstances. A short initial training period is organised at the start of Michaelmas term. Hiring GTAs is organised through departments, which have varying conditions of employment, and as such you should contact your department directly if interested in finding out more. Further information is also available in the Teaching and Learning Centre.

Teaching qualifications

New members of teaching staff hired by a university are often required to have a teaching qualification accredited by the external Higher Education Authority – or to study towards one during their probationary period. As such, LSE offers the Post-Graduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCertHE) – this is recognised throughout UK universities - to any Graduate Teaching Assistant or member of research staff.

There are two levels of the PGCertHE – "Associate" and "Full": "Associate" status can be gained after one year of study towards the qualification; the "Full" level typically requires two, though there is some flexibility. Both levels require teachers to collect a portfolio that evidences their teaching; to have attended training; and to have had lessons observed by an assessor.

Enrolment begins in October for the academic year. For more information see the Teaching and Learning Centre.

Finding a position after LSE

It is unlikely that you will find an advertised lectureship that directly correlates to your PhD thesis. So, when looking through adverts, think laterally about what areas of your subject you could teach, including areas you covered in your Master's degree. Departments are likely to be interested in expanding the courses they offer, so any application should reflect both existing and new courses or themes you could teach. Research a department's existing courses carefully and consider how you would fit within that.

If you are interested in teaching in the USA, you should be aware that although the LSE is a strong international brand, your visibility in the research field is the factor which will weigh most favourably in your application. It is also helpful to have good contacts in the US university world, who can vouch informally for you. The US educational system has two tiers: larger state and private universities, and liberal arts colleges. To get a sense of how any institution is ranked, use the annual volumes published by US News and World Report or the Carnegie Foundation Classifications.

Job search websites

Jobs.ac.uk is the main academic job site, and you should also regularly read the Times Higher Education to keep up to date with developments in the sector.

Processes for your job search in other countries vary. Online searches for vacancies work well and networks or contacts in your country of choice will help you gather local information.

The LSE Careers PhD careers consultant offers careers advice to anybody looking to find a job in academia, and also practice academic interviews. To book an appointment log into LSE CareerHub and for more information look at the PhD students and research staff section of the LSE Careers website.

Additional vacancy websites  

UK and international:

• www.jobs.ac.uk
• www.professorpositions.com

US

• Chronicle of Higher Education
• HigherEdJobs.com
• www.academiccareers.com/

Europe

• Euraxess
• www.academicjobseu.com

Australia

• www.seek.com.au

AKADEUS international Business & Management Schools

I chose to attend the LSE for many reasons - namely its global reputation, my passion for the social sciences, and my desire to attend a school with a diverse and multicultural student population. My experience was everything I imagined it would be, and was valuable beyond measure. I chose to study on the MPA programme as I sought a degree which would combine theoretical with practical knowledge, and allow me to arm myself with all the tools required to be successful in the ever-competitive job market. My capstone project alongside an NGO in Brussels at the end of my second year gave me the opportunity to put my classroom skills to the test in a real world context which was an incredibly rewarding experience.

How did you find the student experience at LSE?

While my two years at the LSE were, admittedly, two of the most challenging years of my life, they were also two of the most exciting and rewarding. Particularly in the MPA programme, my classmates became my second family; we developed a close relationship with each other and helped one another to work through the challenging times together. While the workloads were intense, we always found time to socialise and wind down after a long week. Living in London during my master's was an irreplaceable experience (hence why I chose to stay for work after graduation as well!). For those interested in policy and finance, the city acts as a 'living lab', giving students opportunities they couldn't have elsewhere.

Please describe your career path to date

Following graduation in July 2014, I was lucky enough to secure my first job in the following weeks, and I actually remain at the same company to this day. I work for a strategic communications consultancy in London focusing on government and public relations for a diverse client portfolio. I use knowledge that I garnered from the LSE every day at my job - whether it's helping to interpret the effect a new policy will have on a client, or to advise on a company's international political engagement strategy, my LSE degree follows me in my every day life at work. I am now undertaking Italian language classes on behalf of my company in order to build upon our services to our client base.

Tell us about your current job

My day-to-day responsibilities include the creation of policy briefs, multilingual media monitoring on behalf of clients (English, Spanish, Italian, French and Portuguese), and the development of key messages for deployment on behalf of our diverse clients. I further manage various government and public relations activities for clients in the areas of human rights, litigation, private sector development and economic diversification across the UK, the EU and Africa. The skills that my job required was fluency in a language other than English, a deep knowledge of international relations, and the ability to communicate effectively.

Why did you choose it?

I chose my current job as it combined many areas that I find incredibly intriguing and exciting - government relations, public policy and public relations. I also liked the fact that the company was quite small. This aspect allows me to have greater contact with the partners of the firm, and to undertake responsibilities and duties that I might not have the opportunity to do in larger firms. Further to this, the international and diverse client base of my company, which includes the London embassies of various countries, public entities in the MENA region, and publicly listed companies in the UK, is what drew me to the company as well. Working in such a well-rounded international firm has allowed me to expand my horizons on both a personal and professional level.

What advice do you have for LSE students who are looking to enter a similar profession to you?

If you are looking to enter the fields of consulting or government relations, do take the time to get to know the students around you. The incredible diversity at LSE, both culturally and socioeconomically, truly helped me to better understand the world, and the varying challenges that people face, which helps me to undertake more effective work on behalf of my clients each and every day. Take advantage of the university's many groups and societies as these will help enrich you to no end, and help to broaden your outlook on the world and the people in it.

Vacancies for researchers throughout Europe, along with individual country portals and practical information is available through the researcher's portal of EURAXESS. This is written in English and is easily searchable by country, discipline, and level of experience.

German universities are normally strongly research-oritneted and typically offer a wide range of subjects. Some universities specialise in particular fields (eg. technology, art, or medicine). Universities in Germany also include a number of religious and philosophical-theological institutions. A searchable database of the 300 or so HE institutions in Germany is on the Higher Education Compass.

Permanent academic positions are rare for new academics in Germany. Typically tenure is not achieved before an academic is 42 years old and short term contracts often of 6 years is normal at the start of your career. Vacancy sites posting HE jobs in Germany include:

• Academics.de jobs website : probably most like jobs.ac.uk
• Deutsche Universitätszeitung : online magazine with news, research, and teaching posts
• German Association of University Professors : for higher level positions
• Research in Germany : is written in English and is very encouraging, including '5 reasons for coming to Germany' for PhD students, Postdocs, and senior researchers.

An overview of academia in France is available from the European University Institute: Academic Careers Observatory (ACO). The ACO facilitates the flow of knowledge among researchers about national academic careers and research opportunities in the social sciences and humanities, throughout Europe and beyond. The pages on French higher education and academic career progression are informative.

Vacancies for researchers throughout Europe, along with individual country portals and practical information is available through the researcher's portal of EURAXESS. This is written in English and easily searchable by country, discipline, and level of experience.

Competitions for the academic positions are advertised in two official state publications:

• Bulletin officiel de l'éducation nationale
• Journal official de la république

French higher education is a very centralised system, with obstacles to entry and advancement, and a very high level of jobs security. There are some openings for non-nationals, as academic staff are the only civil servants who do not have to hold French nationality. The careers in French academia for nationals and non-nationals are slowly converging. Recruitment is monitored and controlled by commissions selected at the national and individual university levels. However, recruitment into entry positions is still influenced by informal agreements and contacts between candidates and academics.

Selection processes examples

Recent experiences of selection for social and political science disciplines in France, Austria, and the UK can be found on the ACO site.

Also referred to as diagrammatic reasoning tests by many employers, they present you with a series of symbols, diagrams or shapes and you are asked to decide what comes next in the sequence. This will test your intellectual reasoning ability, your logic and ability to spot trends, and is used by employers who want candidates who can problem solve.

There are 4 distinct types of question:

1. Series – from a series of shapes, patterns and symbols you must identify the next character.
2. Reasoning – using a flow diagram you will be expected to deduce rules and apply these rules to new, related situations. Used for positions where using logic and analysis to solve problems is essential.
3. Thinking – candidates are given a shape, along with various symbols or characters representing different instructions. The symbols or characters are then applied to the shape numerous times, changing its orientation, colour, size etc. Candidates either choose the correct final shape from multiple options or work out which symbols or characters have been applied to create the final shape. Recruiters use this for technical positions where candidates must juggle a multitude of variables acting upon a given situation or task.
4. Diagramming – particularly used in the IT industry, diagramming involves following instructions from diagrams to identify a resulting sequence.

If you are struggling to understand the concept and would prefer a visual explanation – this YouTube ‘beginners guide’ video tutorial from CareerVidz could be useful.

How can I prepare for abstract reasoning tests?

• As these types of questions can be unfamiliar to many of us, practice tests will really help. Login to GraduatesFirst to access diagrammatic reasoning tests via the LSE Careers subscription. Unlike many of the free online resources, this one will give you a personalised report and worked solutions to questions – use this to work out where you need to improve.
• Check whether the recruiting employer provides any examples on their website. These tests can vary significantly based on the needs of each employer so if you can find out the name of the test provider, you can look for practice tests from them.
• Try answering abstract problems in newspapers and magazines or doing logic puzzles. Anything that enhances your ability to spot patterns will be helpful.
• If it is permitted, and you would find it useful, make notes as you are working through the complicated sets of symbols. Don’t spend too long doing this though as you don’t want to run out of time to complete the test!  

• A quick Google search will provide a list of free online practice tests. Try the following: AssessmentDay or JobTestPrep.

How can I perform better on the day?

• If it is permitted, and you would find it useful, make notes as you are working through the complicated sets of symbols. Don’t spend too long doing this though as you don’t want to run out of time to complete the test!  

Getting started

(18 months before your studies commence)

Consider your reasons for doing postgraduate study and the type and level of study you want to undertake, e.g. masters, taught, research-based or combined, academic or professional or a PhD. Consider:

• How will this qualification help you achieve your long term career goals?
• How does it compare with going directly into employment?

Once you are clear about why you want to do postgraduate study think about why you want to study in the USA and what this will contribute to your development and career goals. This will help you identify the best places for you to apply to.

Choosing your postgraduate programme

(14 - 18 months before your studies commence)

There are over 1,700 higher education institutions (variably called universities, colleges or schools) offering graduate level education in the USA. Most are public but about 25% including Harvard and Princeton are private, although as an international student this distinction is not of great significance as you will be ineligible for public funding. The key factors to consider when deciding which institutions and study programmes to apply to are:

• Is the subject you want to study offered?
• Are the institution and programme of study accredited? (See Resources)
• Does the duration and content of the programme match your needs and interests?
• Do you meet the academic admissions requirements?
• Will a graduate degree from this institution/department be well regarded by the international academic community and your target employers?
• What are the tuition fees and the services fees?
• What funding are you eligible to apply for? What are the terms?
• What are the facilities like, e.g. library, IT, international students services?
• What is the cost of living? Is there graduate student accommodation, is it on campus or will there be travel costs?
• What is the location like as a place to live for one to eight years?

Aim for a list of up to fifteen institutions/programmes which you can assess more in-depth for their match with your interests, needs and goals and your match with their admissions criteria and academic specialisms.

It is unlikely you will be able to prepare quality applications for fifteen schools, between four and six is both more realistic and affordable (application fees range between $50 and $150). A careful assessment will help you produce your short list and provide a strong foundation for your applications.

Getting ready to apply

(12 - 14 months before your studies commence)

The primary source of information on application requirements, processes, deadlines and fees are the institutional and departmental websites for the programmes you are considering applying to. As a general rule you will be expected to provide, at least, the following:

• CV or resume, completed application form and Statement of Purpose
• Degree certificates and transcripts - if you don't already have these in the required format it will take time to get them
• Test scores, e.g. GRE* 
• Letters of recommendation – see below, you will need to select and brief your referees
• Health certificate – you may need to book a medical
• Evidence of available finance for tuition fees and living expenses - unless you are going to be self-financing you will need to allow time to find and apply for funding

Letters of recommendation should come from academics who know you well and are able to comment on your academic performance and potential particularly in relation to your peers. If they are not familiar with your work and career goals then discuss these with them, perhaps using your Statement of Purpose to brief them. Recommendations should be written in a positive and personal tone.

* The most commonly required score is from the GRE General Test but this can vary. Take time to prepare for this and be aware institutions will see all your scores from the past 5 years. Results can take a month or more to be posted. If you are applying for a Graduate Teaching Assistantship then a Test of Spoken English may be required.

Applying

(9 - 12 months before your studies commence)

Application deadlines vary but may be as early as the November before your studies commence. Although much of the application can be completed online you will need to mail, by registered post, the supporting documentation, e.g. transcripts and letters of recommendation. The basis for admissions decisions, which are usually made between April and July, will be your academic record, your Statement of Purpose, the quality of your letters of recommendation, the security of your financing and your GRE (and other required test) scores.

Throughout the recruitment process there are a number of things to consider in order to ensure you give yourself the best chance of performing to the best of your ability.

Applications

When you are writing your CV, cover letter or application form, you should consider asking for support during the application process.

You can ask for such support from Viki Chinn, specialist careers consultant (who specialises in disability and employment) within LSE Careers - just contact us to make an appointment or ask for some advice. You can also contact the Disability and Well-being team.

Interviews and tests

Some recruitment processes will involve certain selection tools to assess your ability to do the job. These may include psychometric or aptitude tests, a group exercise or case study.  If the employer does not tell you in advance that these will be part of the process, you should contact them to find out.

Disclosing a disability before an interview

Whilst the employer is required to make reasonable adjustments to aid you throughout the process it is not reasonable, on your part, to tell them on the day so you should advise them in advance if you need adjustments made.

Employers who are genuinely committed to diversity and equality of opportunity will welcome your disclosure as they wish to enable you to perform on a level playing field and be able to assess you based on your ability regardless of disability. See the disclosure page for more information and advice on this subject.

Discussing a disability in an interview

If you have disclosed, an employer will be entitled to ask questions about how your disability may affect the role you are being interviewed for. However they cannot ask any personal questions or questions about your disability that do not strictly relate to your performance of the role.

It is important to anticipate potential interview questions and consider how you would both describe these effects and your coping strategies. From your degree course you should have examples of how you have already demonstrated these strategies but also consider the different demands in a work environment and what you can do in those circumstances.

If the employer does not raise these questions and you wish to discuss them, you could ask if they would like you to briefly explain. They may feel a little uncomfortable asking you about your disability so this not only takes some of the pressure off them but also will prevent them from making inaccurate assumptions about your ability or capability of performing the role. It will also allow you to state any adjustments you require or differences in the way you may work.

When discussing these issues with the employer present them in a positive light. Be informative and objective offering solutions to any perceived difficulties. Give examples of how you have managed to achieve past aims.

Remember you are being interviewed because on paper you meet their criteria and have demonstrated the skills and abilities they require.

What are they?

Junior Research Fellowships (JRFs) are offered by the colleges of Oxford and Cambridge University. These highly competitive, prestigious fellowships are aimed at early career researchers who are in the final year of their PhD or in the first few years after their PhD. They are awarded on the basis of research excellence.

There are two types: stipendiary and non-stipendiary. For the stipendiary fellowships there is a salary but the non-stipendiary fellowships are unpaid. For both types you will get membership of the college and associated benefits (such as dining rights).The fellowships typically last for approx. 3 years, although this can vary. There is no expectation that they will lead to a permanent position. Sometimes they are advertised for specific disciplines only, at other times for any discipline. Some colleges will expect you to do some teaching, but others will not.

Where are they advertised?

JRFs are sometimes advertised on www.jobs.ac.uk. You will also find them advertised in the Cambridge Reporter or the Oxford Gazette and on the college websites. Application deadlines are spread over the year for different colleges.

How do the application processes work?

Each college runs its own application process so there are some variations. In general you will be asked to submit a CV, a research statement and a sample of your written work. You will also be asked to supply the names of referees. These will be contacted by the college and asked to nominate readers for your work, who will be specialists in your field and will review your application for the college.

If you progress to the next selection stage you may be called for interview, although not all colleges interview. Bear in mind that the interview panel will not be specialists in your field. You should familiarise yourself with who the fellows of the college are and be able to talk about your work in a way that an intelligent non-specialist would understand.

Tips

• For your sample of your written work it could be a journal article or it could be a chapter from your thesis. If it is a chapter from your thesis you will need to provide a short piece of writing at the start setting it in context so the reader can understand it.
• Your research statement will typically include information on the research from your PhD (30%) and also describe your current/ future research (70%). You should be careful not to just state that you will use the fellowship to prepare your PhD for publication as a book. You will need to propose a new piece of research. This must follow on from your PhD but be interesting in its own right.
• Have a good title for your research proposal.
• You should make sure you make a strong case for why your research is worth doing.
• Your research proposal should be understandable to non-specialists.
• Before the interview research the college. They may ask you how you will contribute to college life.

This guide takes you through the process of building a digital product like a website, app or piece of software. It introduces a lot of the concepts that you will need an understanding of and provides some resources and other sites to explore and learn from.

You can use it as a starting point if you are learning to programme yourself or to gain a bit of an understanding in order to have productive conversations with any technical staff you hire.

The process of building a digital product

Initial considerations

The things you should be thinking about before even starting work on your business. Includes technical considerations and some decisions you need to make in any start-up.

Sourcing funding

Some sources of funding for technical businesses.

Finding a developer

Some advice for finding technical collaborators for your business. Includes general tips, job titles to look out for and places to look.

Designing your product

The steps that you or a developer will need to go through when first designing the product. Includes requirements analysis and listing classes and use cases.

Building your product

Considerations and approaches to making an application or website. Includes information on project management and different development methodologies.

Resources and information

Structure of an application

A look at three elements found in most applications: databases, software and user interfaces.

Resources

External websites to help you learn about programming, usability, security and general information about the world of digital start ups.

Tools

Online services to help you with project management, analytics, design and coding.

I was about to complete my BA in Psychology and was looking to pursue an MSc in Social Psychology. I had read some articles on LSE's reputation so I decided to apply.

Overall, how do you look back on your LSE experience?

Studying at the LSE was an incredible experience. The MSc program was only 12 months but it was very intense and enriching. Students come from all over the world and are very enthusiastic in learning and sharing their experiences. I felt that not only the professors were of a high standard, but that a lot of the students have also enriched me. LSE truly teaches students to think critically and voice their own opinion. That is something I have not seen or felt in any other institution. It is a precious gift that students will cherish when they graduate.

Please describe your career path to date:

I have a background in organisational, social and consumer psychology. Since graduating from the LSE, I have worked for two years in Market Research companies (using qualitative, quantitative and behavioural economics to understand consumer behaviour). I am now a full-time PhD Candidate in Marketing at the ESCP Europe and wish to stay in academia.

Why did you choose your current job?

Although I knew I wanted to do a PhD, the LSE really confirmed my love for learning and especially researching. I am really passionate about consumer research and academia seems to suit me.

Tell us about your current job:

My job involves writing my thesis (researching on my topic and writing), teaching (lectures and seminars) in Marketing and Social Psychology to bachelors, providing guidance for students, collaborating with other PhD students and professors (publishing scientific articles with two or more authors), presenting my work at conferences around the world.

What advice do you have for LSE students who are looking to enter a similar profession to you?

My first advice is: make sure that you really want to stay in academia. By this I mean get some work experience outside of academia first before making the decision. Second advice is to really make the most of LSE's Methodology courses - it will help you a great deal when doing research on your own. Third, make sure you do a lot of networking while you are at the LSE: professors are usually helpful and above all world class renown. It is good to keep ties with them once you graduate and who knows, maybe work with them in the future.

I chose LSE because it remains one of the top ranking educational institutions in social policy and I wanted to learn from the best in class and a masters in Health Economics Policy and Management (HEPM) was the missing link in my professional career. My life’s ambition has been to facilitate access to affordable healthcare to the citizens in resource constrained regions of Africa through information technology and innovative systems of healthcare financing. Throughout my professional career which has predominately been in Healthcare Management Organisations (HMOs) spanning over two decades, I have gained practical experiences with entrepreneurial start-ups as well as publicly listed HMOs in both the United States and Africa.  An academic perspective gained at LSE in HEPM combined with my experiences in the United States and Africa puts me in a very unique position of being a change agent who can develops and delivers suitable healthcare policy and solutions in Africa, and my country Nigeria.

Overall, how do you look back on your LSE experience?

My experience at LSE was very intensive and rewarding.  Often times I complained about the work load including reading materials and case studies, but in hindsight it was an excellent learning process.  Most important were the connections I made with my classmates some of who I have kept in touch with to date. Invaluable!

Please describe your career path to date:

My Career started after I relocated to the United States from Nigeria in 1995 with a degree in computer science and post graduate diploma in Finance. I held various senior management positions with Independence Blue Cross Philadelphia and AmeriHealth HMO Houston Texas and transitioned to Regional Director of Information Technology and Project Management at CIGNA Healthcare Houston Texas between 1996 to 2003 following which I relocated to Nigeria. 

I entered the healthcare industry in Nigeria as a consultant to the largest health insurance company and transitioned to become the Chief Operating Officer, and subsequently the CEO of its subsidiary. I started my consulting firm, Lionstone Healthcare Partners, when I realised not much capacity existed to support the much needed statewide transition to health insurance and financing systems.

During this time - for over 7 years, I volunteered my time as the the Secretary for the Society for Quality in Healthcare in Nigeria, a not-for-profit organisation with a mission to become the accrediting institution for healthcare organisations in Nigeria. 

I also attended an Advanced Management Programme at INSEAD Business School in 2008 to further develop my managerial skills.

Why did you choose your current job?

I chose my current job because the objectives of the organisation aligned with my own personal career ambition. Its focus on low income communities, creating access to quality healthcare through innovative financing models using technology, use of local capacity to build sustainable systems and replication of successful models across other African countries.

Tell us about your current job:

My current job is based in Lagos Nigeria but with activities in several other states outside Lagos. I manage a team of highly talented innovative medical and non-medical staff to develop systems, implement demand and supply side projects in the healthcare sector, provide technical assistance to various partners including State Governments officials, developmental agencies and donor organisations, while interfacing with the Head office based in Amsterdam and coordinating ideas with other country offices in Africa.

What advice do you have for LSE students who are looking to enter a similar profession to you?

There is so much work to be done in developing health systems which are sustainable in Africa. At the same time, there is increasing focus and support from agencies and donor organisations such as Gates Foundation, DFID, USAID, UKAID to name a few, who are trying to support existing in country systems, seeking transparent innovative management systems and technology for output based financing model.  If you want to make a difference in the lives of so many low income communities not just in Africa but around the world, HEPM at LSE may just be the institution that channels you to the organisation to achieve your career objective.

I had the chance to participate in a Dual Degree program. I began my first year at the Hertie School of Governance in Berlin and then I joined LSE for the second year. This gave me the opportunity to study in two specifically relevant places. Ultimately, LSE was my number one choice because of its outstanding reputation, the variety of study options and the great link between theory and actual practice of policy-making.

Overall, how do you look back on your LSE experience?

LSE is an experience of its own. The academic environment is of course a particular experience with great teachers, small classes and the facilities on campus. But there was more, that really contributed to my learning experience: first of all, the cohort of fellow students from all around the world which enables you to learn more through extensive debates, the LSE events and guest lectures from noble price winners to current politicians, and the spirit of the school which goes beyond individual subjects and connects different fields.

Please describe your career path to date:

My program taught me to think interdisciplinary and that was ultimately what happened to my career afterwards. I moved from a research institute on development policy to the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs – completely different policy issues which require a similar set of skills that I learned at LSE. Additionally, my previous political volunteering activities – which I also pursued at LSE – were also a big factor in my new job. What I can say from my experience: the academic and theoretical background is a sine qua non, but being interested in your field and engaged beyond your class room is what makes a difference.

Why did you choose your current job?

Despite the perception of public service, it is the field where I find myself able to achieve the most for our common good. Hence, I wanted to move back to the political side of policy-making, where you really put into practice thinking about policy solutions with actually getting things done.

Tell us about your current job:

After I spent three years in the policy planning unit of the Ministry in Berlin, I was offered to work for one of the Parliamentary State Secretaries. In the German bureaucracy this is somewhat of a Vice Minister which is especially responsible for getting policy proposals through the parliament. Hence, I attend committee meetings or negotiations with members of parliament about certain policy proposals. I keep contact to MPs and political groups in the Parliament on the staff level and organize the daily routine of the office. This requires to be knowledgeable about a variety of issues as you often jump from one topic to another, handling a lot of communication both with the ministry and the parliamentary sphere and organizing a safe and happy working place within the office.

What advice do you have for LSE students who are looking to enter a similar profession to you?

A case interview or case study interview involves a business or organisational problem the company may have faced, and is a chance to demonstrate your analytical, reasoning and communication skills. They are designed to assess your ability to do the work of a consultant, i.e. work with a client to identify key problems or challenges facing their business or organisation and to develop effective solutions and actions to address these. 

You might be invited for a case study interview if you are applying for consulting positions and will generally be invited in the second round of interviews. It will be a one-to-one interview with a consultant, followed by competency based questions.

Case interviews usually work best if they develop into a discussion between the interviewer and you. Ask questions and try out ideas with the interviewer.

What is the company looking for?

Case interviews are not intended to test your business or sector knowledge but it is important to be able to demonstrate your commercial awareness. You will find it helpful to have a basic understanding of key business concepts e.g. revenue, fixed and variable costs, profit, market share, customers, competitors and stakeholders.

As well as this, recruiters will be looking for a genuine curiosity about, and enthusiasm for, business issues and problems.

Try to demonstrate how you can:

• Work with a client to identify key problems facing their company
• Develop effective solutions to these
• Listen actively
• Ask relevant and probing questions
• Problem solve, show you can thinking in a structured manner
• Confidently work within a time limit
• Apply your commercial awareness
• Analyse quantitative data
• Think creatively and on your feet
• Translate analysis into actionable recommendations
• Communication conclusions in a concise and persuasive manner
• Interact well with clients
• Show enthusiasm, motivation and maturity

Having a knowledge of some common frameworks that can be used to structure the analysis of a problem or issue, such as SWOT analysis, Boston Matrix, Porter’s 5 Forces, may help, but do not slavishly apply one of these; your knowledge of frameworks is not important, your ability to think in a structured, creative way is.

How should I respond to a case study?

It is important to understand your primary objective is not to find ‘the’ solution to the case but rather to demonstrate your analytical, reasoning and communication skills.

Do not jump to conclusions or rush towards an answer. It is the process by which you get to your conclusions that interests the interviewer.

• Identify the critical issue from the written case study
• Listen carefully to verbal information or responses to your questions or comments
• Break the problem into parts, describe this out loud. Do not be tempted to follow a common framework (such as SWOT analysis or Boston Matrix) although knowledge of these may help you structure your answer
• Ask relevant questions to gain a fuller understanding of the problem
• Make notes of important facts, figures or thoughts and make calculations if you think this would help – avoiding calculations when they are necessary could look as though you are not confident using numbers
• Describe your overall approach out loud so the interviewer understands your thought processes and can point you in the right direction if you are heading the wrong way – always use this advice if it is given
• Similarly, if you get stuck say so and ask for extra input
• Show that you are enjoying the process – do not show frustration or lack of confidence
• Identify a range of options for consideration
• Conclude by recommending one or two ideas for action

How should I prepare for a case study interview?

• Brush up on your maths (formulae, percentages etc.)
• Practise using sample case studies
• Practise with a friend
• Attend a case study careers seminar
• Book a case study practice interview at LSE Careers
• Come to the careers service and use the paper resources and books
• Read business news
• Look at firms' websites

Practice case study appointment

LSE Careers offers one-to-one practice case studies designed for students with interviews at management consultancy firms coming up.  We can offer feedback on the structure, content and presentation of a case study. We have a small bank of practice case studies for management consultancy covering areas like profitability and strategy. 

A practice case study can also help if you are preparing for case interview with a Big Four firm but would not be appropriate for an economic consultancy role in a Big Four firm or specialist economic consultancy.

Please see our practice interview information for details of how to book.

Resources from LSE Careers

• CaseCoach
  Free to students and alumni (up to five years post graduation). CaseCoach is a comprehensive online preparation course for consulting interviews, developed by former McKinsey consultants. The course covers both the case and the fit interviews. It includes a library of 25+ cases with solutions, practice exercises, 12 bite-sized video lectures covering the skills assessed by the top firms and 14 interview videos featuring successful candidates.

More case interview tests and tips

This list below contains links to sample case study interviews and advice articles.

• Accenture Management Consulting Case Interviews

  Case interviews question and answers

• Bain & Company - interview preparation

  Useful information about case interviews and three examples to practice

• Caseinterview.com

  Case interview tutorials and advice on what consultancy firms are looking for in an applicant. Free registration is required.

• Casequestions.com

  Gives sample case questions, including 'back of the envelope' questions and business problems

• Dartmouth careers services: Management Services and Consulting

  Dartmouth's resources on careers in management services and consulting.  Includes powerpoint presentations on case study interviews from Accenture, Bain, BCG, Parthenon and Investor Group. Resources on careers in management services and consulting. Includes presentations on case study interviews from Accenture, Bain, BCG, Parthenon and Investor Group.

• HUB - Guide to Consulting Interviews

  This guidebook is designed to help aspiring consultants understand, prepare for and succeed in consulting interviews

• Management consulting - TargetJobs

  Excellent UK-based graduate careers website containing lots of advice articles, information about graduate entry to consulting careers and up to date listings for graduate and internship recruitment schemes and insight events.

• MBA Case

  Contains case study information and resources including the updated sections of their 'Crack the Case' publication

• McKinsey - interviewing

  Learn about the types of interviews at McKinsey.

• PrepLounge - Case interview bootcamp

  An online bootcamp to help you prepare for case study interviews.

• Prospects.ac.uk - Interview tests and exercises

  Advice and resources for succeeding in psychometric tests, assessment centres, e-tray exercises and case studies

• Strategy Case

  Site that offers articles on case study interviews

I chose LSE because it is a globally reputed university in a city I wanted to live in. A few friends who had studied at LSE had praised the academic focus and diversity of the student body. After my heavily quantitative undergraduate degree in computer science engineering, I wanted to immerse myself in a more social sciences based environment – LSE provided the perfect opportunity to do this. I chose my course - the CEMS Masters in Management (please link to the course page here) - because it fulfilled three criteria:

• Masters degree in management

• Course duration of two years

• Opportunity to go on an exchange to France (through CEMS)

I felt that I did not have enough work experience then (only 2 years and that too as a Radio Jockey) to go for a full-time MBA. However, I was sure I wanted to study management in a two year programme. I felt that one year was too short a time for a master’s degree and a two year programme would give me the opportunity to do an internship as well, which may help me secure a full-time opportunity after graduation. I also wanted to experience continental Europe and practice my fledgling French! My programme allowed me to accomplish all these goals and hence was the perfect fit!

How did you find the student experience at LSE?

The LSE pedagogy is based on self-learning and self-reflection. There was constructive and balanced debate of concepts and most lectures were open ended with no clear right or wrong answers – this was quite frustrating in the beginning. The focus was not so much on the solution but on the process of analysis – structures and frameworks, externalities and tail risks, probabilities and choices. There were very few problem sets but so many readings which were verbose and complex – no convenient bullet points! However, it is a tribute to our professors that multiple readings that during the weekend seemed put together randomly, suddenly seemed to come together in class – like the various instruments coming together in an orchestra. At first I was shocked and later learnt to enjoy and even look forward to the symphony!

Weekly readings apart, the coursework was intellectually heavy but light on labour (in terms of surprise tests, weekly assignments etc.) which allowed ample time for socialising. A huge part of my LSE student life were my LSE halls – Rosebery Hall and Lillian Knowles. The Rosebery post-dinner foosball and table tennis matches were great opportunities to bond with hall mates and something I miss even today. The hall also organised great parties – particularly remember Halloween, the boat party and the trip to Thorpe park!

London was a great contrast to Dubai where I had lived previously. It was my first time in a modern western city and just the opportunity to be in London and visit those museums (for free!), walk over those nursery-rhyme bridges and sit in those iconic double-decker buses was exhilarating!

The only criticism I have is that LSE does not have on-campus residential facilities, which makes it hard to bond with classmates unless one has the money to go out drinking fairly regularly. I do feel that takes away from the learning environment a bit.

Please describe your career path to date:

I joined the Barclays Corporate Graduate programme after completing my degree in 2013, rolled off the (then 2 year) graduate programme early to become an Associate in the Corporate Product Team (Transaction Banking) and currently work in the Debt Finance team.

I was in a credit risk analysis team during my graduate programme, where I used Porter’s five forces for industry analysis extensively. This was a framework we spent a lot of time on at LSE and it was great to reduce the learning curve at the desk. Concepts I learnt in Finance I and II and Management Accounting were also helpful in analysing financial statements.

But I think the biggest advantage that LSE gave me was through the volunteering programme – LSE Widening Participation - where I taught English and mathematics to primary school students at a school right next to Rosebery Hall. I discovered a passion for teaching/training that I carried through into Barclays, organising a two day careers focussed workshop for students from economically underprivileged backgrounds. I went on to mentor sixth form students in Tower Hamlets, where I stay, and a couple of A-level students through Teach First. This is a non-work related part of life that is very fulfilling and has come about solely due to the opportunities I had at LSE.

I think that the LSE brand definitely gives students an edge in terms of being shortlisted for interviews.

Tell us about your current job:

I work in the debt finance team for Barclays Corporate Banking in London. Our team provides debt facilities mainly to large corporates, but we do have a small fund aimed at early stage, high growth companies. Previously, I was part of the transaction banking team liaising exclusively with the UK Government to provide non-debt banking services to the UK government.

Key skills needed in my role are: resilience to persuade people with facts in the face of opposition, negotiation to work together with multiple stakeholders and arrive at a solution that works for all parties and finally communication skills – clear and precise communication over email and the phone, especially on conference calls with multiple people.

Why did you choose it?

I chose my current role because after two years in transaction banking, I wanted to move into debt finance and learn that part of the business. It is a part of core corporate banking and something I was interested in. I also felt I would be able to leverage the skills I learnt working in the risk teams earlier in a much broader way in this team, which has turned out to be true.

What advice do you have for LSE students who are looking to enter a similar profession to you?

Two bits of advice:

Attend the LSE career fairs. These will give you an opportunity to meet people in your target firms and provide a non-public point of reference and information about the firm. You can understand more about the culture of the firm from talking to two employees for ten minutes than you could from reading the firm’s website for two days.

Join the student clubs/societies related to your chosen profession. If you want to get into Investment Management, join the LSE Investment Club, for consulting, join the consulting club etc. These clubs have great contacts with firms in their industry and can help you make connections, learn more about the recruitment process, help you understand how these industries work and gain the key skills required to successfully complete the hiring process.

School reputation, will to pursue a career in Digital Media.

Overall, how do you look back on your LSE experience?

LSE is the place where I have met my best friends and potential future business partners. It has allowed me to be exposed to excellence from many perspectives: fellow students, professors, quality of research, organization and concepts. I am so happy I have had the opportunity to study at this prestigious institution!

Please describe your career path to date:

Right after submitting my dissertation, I used the LSE careers website to look for work opportunities and saw an internship position at Apple, based in London. Even if I had three years of work experience in the music industry, I was aware of how good an experience at Apple could have been for me. I applied and got the internship, at the end of which I managed to land a temporary position within the company. Meanwhile, my internship manager had left the company and joined Nest, an IoT company that was shortly after acquired by Google.

We kept in touch whilst I was still at Apple, and when a good position to fit my profile opened at Nest/Google arose, he informed me about it. I did not lose the opportunity and applied for it - and luckily got it!

As a conclusion, I can no doubt say that I was lucky. Since graduating from the LSE in 2013, I have rapidly grown from a career perspective. Now I cover a Channel marketing position within one of Alphabet's most exciting "new bets" and I get the chance to work with, and travel to the Silicon Valley very often. I would have never imagined myself having so much fun in my job, while covering such responsibilities, a few years ago. I am also happy I "took the risk" to start again from the beginning, with an internship position, after my masters. I took the risk and it paid off!

Why did you choose your current job?

I chose my current job as my previous manager from Apple informed me about it and invited me to apply for it. I considered it a job that could offer more responsibilities than the temporary one I was covering at Apple, yet within an excellent company (Google). I wanted to land a job in tech with business as well as creative responsibilities. As a channel marketing manager, I am responsible for business activities such as budgeting, account management and merchandising, but I also get involved in events management, web marketing and I get to discuss exciting retail projects with major accounts such as John Lewis and Dixons.

Tell us about your current job.

I am a Channel Marketing Manager for the UK and Ireland for Nest, part of Alphabet (Google's holding company). My role is based in London.

Working in close cooperation with the Sales team leads, I currently manage the channel marketing and storefront operations in the UK & Ireland, implementing the Nest customer experience across the retail channel.

My main responsibilities involve:

- Supporting Nest’s retail strategy by driving the POS operations, from store tiering, POS needs

assessment and planning as well as deployment to compliance maintenance;

- Handling online and offline channel activities including building quarterly demand generation plans to

support the UK & Ireland retail growth targets;

- Building Nest channel advocacy by managing field marketing, planning and organizing sales

training and events;

- Supporting partners and managing vendor relationships to deliver a premium experience at

every customer touch point.

At Nest, you need to be a self starter. The company has a very entrepreneurial spirit. In addition, you have to love products and know how to market them in an excellent way. Many of us at Nest come from Apple and share a mentality which is made on love for good design, simplicity of products and user friendly communication. The fact that we are part of Alphabet allows us to get a daily exposure to all of Google's great divisions and products, as well as sharing information with other employees.

What advice do you have for LSE students who are looking to enter a similar profession to you?

If you are part of the LSE, you know how hard it can be to be part of a competitive environment. If you want to land a job at one great tech company, you do not need to lose the energy and spirit that you have to show while studying at the LSE. In addition, you must be willing to take risks, if you can spot some opportunities with them. It will always pay off.

Wanted to deepen my knowledge of the human psyche in social situation, and LSE had a great reputation in that.

Overall, how do you look back on your LSE experience?

The program could have been more rigorous, but I enjoyed immensely the overall LSE experience - in particular the lecture series.

Please describe your career path to date:

The challenge of solving business problems to leading companies, coupled with the familiar atmosphere of a small firm.

Why did you choose your current job?

The challenge of solving business problems to leading companies, coupled with the familiar atmosphere of a small firm.

Tell us about your current job:

I am a Client Director in a brand consultancy firm in Stockholm. We work with leading companies, both in Sweden and internationally. I lead teams of consultants and analysts in solving business cases for our clients, mostly related to brands. For example, teams I lead helped define the global brand strategy for a telecom company, and a social responsibility for a leading global whiskey brand.

What advice do you have for LSE students who are looking to enter a similar profession to you?

Always stay on top of new developments in whatever industry you are interested in. Stay curious, and learn what are the best and most trusted sources of information you should keep up with.

If you do decide to take on private work for an individual e.g. home tutoring, please consider the potential risks to your personal safety first.

Here are some personal safety tips you may wish to follow:

• Always talk on the phone before meeting the individual - ask proactive questions, listen for any inconsistencies and be aware of any odd behaviour.
• If meeting with the individual before accepting the position, always do so in a public place.
• If you are visiting someone's home, ask if anyone else is going to be there.
• Always let someone know where you are going by providing the name of the individual, their contact details and the address of the location you will be working in.
• Be contactable - carry a mobile phone and let someone know when you arrive and how long you expect to be there for.
• Don't be afraid to carry a personal alarm with you.
• Where possible try to undertake your job during the daytime.
• If you have any reservations about the individual or the role you will be taking on, do not accept the position.
• If you feel uncomfortable or unsure at any point during or before you arrive, make an excuse and leave.
• Do not get picked up by car and do not give anyone a lift.

Although it is sensible to remain vigilant, please remember that personal safety issues are very rare.

See LSE's campus safety tips for more information about being safe at LSE and in London.

Dyslexia is a disability that affects around 10% of the population with around 4% affected severely. There are a number of issues to take into consideration when applying for jobs and understanding of these issues along with knowledge of the help and support available can help make both job applications and day to day performance of a role much easier for those who have dyslexia.

Reasonable adjustments

Reasonable adjustments must be implemented from first advertisement of a position, throughout the recruitment process and during working life up to and including departure or dismissal procedures. Examples of reasonable adjustments for people with Dyslexia include:

• Providing specialist or required training
• Providing modified equipment and access to computer software for proofreading and planning of work
• Making instructions and manuals more accessible (e.g. different colour or size backgrounds or fonts, or coloured transparency sheets, larger font, audio tapes, etc)
• Allocating some of a disabled employee’s work to someone else (e.g. minute taking and proofreading)
• Extra time for written assessments/work and planning of work
• Extra time for considering information and reporting
• Provision of written materials in advance
• It is reasonable to expect an employer to provide any tests in an appropriate format provided this has been requested in advance of the event and not just on the day itself

See our reasonable adjustments page for more information and advice on this topic.

The recruitment process

Throughout the recruitment process there are a number of things to consider in order to ensure you give yourself the best chance of performing to the best of your ability.

Application stage

At the initial application stage when you're writing your CV, cover letter, or application form you should consider asking your university disability office whether any assistive technologies or other means of support are available to you to aid you throughout your application. 

Assistive technologies available may include voice-to-text technology such as Dragon Naturally Speaking which will allow you to dictate your ideas to a computer or if the application material is available online you can use a software package such as Jaws which will convert text to speech. If it is not available online ask a friend or family member to read it aloud to you and ensure you are fully understanding what the employer is asking for.

You should also ask someone to proof read your CV or covering letter to check spelling and grammar in addition to a computer spell checker as a spell checker is not completely fool proof. Also ask them to check a word copy draft of any application form you are completing before you submit it whether you are doing so online or in hand written format.

Interview stage

If you have disclosed your dyslexia the employer is likely to be interested in how your dyslexia will affect you in the workplace and your ability to perform the requirements of your role. 

When discussing these issues with the employer present them in a positive, rather than negative, light. Be informative and objective offering solutions to any perceived difficulties. Remember you are being interviewed because on paper you meet their criteria and have demonstrated the skills and abilities they require. It is important for both you and the employer to focus on your ability rather than your disability.

Give examples of how you have used your coping strategies to help you achieve things in the past and even point out and demonstrate how you have developed strong, diverse skills, such as innovative and lateral thinking, creativity and problem solving skills, as a result of your dyslexia. If you are struggling to formulate answers or identify skills contact LSE Careers  to discuss with our dedicated disability careers consultant.

Selection tests

Some recruitment processes will involve certain selection tools to assess your ability to do the job. These may include psychometric or aptitude tests, a group exercise or case study. If the employer does not tell you in advance that these will be part of the process you should contact them to find out.

Whilst the employer is required to make reasonable adjustments to aid you throughout the process it is not reasonable to tell them on the day so you should advise them in advance if you need adjustments made. Adjustments available may include extra time to complete the tests or alternative format material.

In some cases you may be exempt from these tests as it will be considered a reasonable adjustment that they test the abilities they are measuring by alternative means.

See the applications and interviews page for more information and advice on disability and the recruitment process.

Useful resources

• The British Dyslexia Association helpline (0118 966 8271) for information and advice. 
• The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) for information and advice on disability legislation.
• To purchase assistive technologies and for information about available technologies contact iansyst.

Worldwide

African Development Bank (ADB) 
The ADB is a regional multilateral development finance institution established in 1964 and engaged in mobilising resources towards the economic and social progress of its Regional Member Countries (RMCs). Its HQ is in Abidjan, but it is temporarily located in Tunis because of the unrest in Cote d'Ivoire.

Careers: In addition to posting job vacancies on its website it also provides information on internships for which you must be a current student (open to undergraduates and graduates), and meet the nationality criteria. Information is also available there on its Young Professional Programme for which you need at least a Masters degree, and must meet age and member country national criteria. Member countries include not only those in the region but also donor countries - so that USA, a number of European countries and China and Japan are included.

Asian Development Bank
The Asian Development Bank is dedicated to poverty reduction in Asia and the Pacific, a region that is home to two thirds of the world's poor. Established in 1966 its HQ is in Manila, the Asian Development Bank is owned and financed by its 67 member countries, of which 48 are from the region and 19 are from other parts of the globe. It contributes low interest loans, guarantees, grants, private sector investments, and knowledge and advice to help build infrastructure and improve essential services such as health and education. The Bank's focus is on encouraging economic growth, social development, and good governance, while promoting regional cooperation and integration in partnership with governments, the private sector, NGOs and international organizations.

Careers: Check their website for details of the annual internship programme for which Masters and PhD students that meet the eligibility criteria may apply.

Bank of England 
In pursuing its goal of maintaining a stable and efficient monetary and financial framework the Bank has two core purposes - monetary stability and financial stability. In pursuit of both purposes the Bank works closely with others, including: other central banks and international organisations to improve the international monetary system; and HM Treasury and the Financial Services Authority to pursue financial stability.

Careers: Internships are available to undergraduate, Masters and PhD students. Their graduate recruitment programme offers opportunities to first degree graduates from all degree disciplines. Postgraduate opportunities are offered to those who have a Masters degree in Economics and/or Finance. There is also a PhD Economist programme. Since deadlines and eligibility criteria vary (although work permits will be sought for suitably qualified candidates that require them), you should check the website early in the Michaelmas term of the year prior to when you wish to start the internship or permanent position.

Bank for International Settlements (BIS)
BIS is an international organisation which fosters international monetary and financial cooperation and serves as a bank for central banks. The BIS fulfils this mandate by acting as: a forum to promote discussion and policy analysis among central banks and within the international financial community; a centre for economic and monetary research; a prime counterparty for central banks in their financial transactions; and an agent or trustee in connection with international financial operations. The BIS HQ is in Basel, Switzerland and there are representative offices in Hong Kong and Mexico City.

Careers: BIS vacancies tend to be offered on the basis of a one to three year fixed term contract initially. You will find current vacancies and information on the application procedure on the website.

European Bank of Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)
The EBRD uses the tools of investment to help build market economies and democracies in countries from central Europe to central Asia. The EBRD is the largest single investor in the region and mobilises significant foreign direct investment beyond its own financing. Its HQ is in London. It is owned by 61 countries and two intergovernmental institutions. But despite its public sector shareholders, it invests mainly in private enterprises, usually together with commercial partners. It provides project financing for banks, industries and businesses, both new ventures and investments in existing companies. It also works with publicly owned companies to support privatisation, restructuring state-owned firms and improvement of municipal services. The Bank uses its close relationship with governments in the region to promote policies that will bolster the business environment.

Careers: Opportunities are advertised under 'current vacancies' check its website for deadlines and eligibility criteria. Applicants must be nationals of member countries, but these do extend well beyond the EU, e.g. Australia, Egypt, Japan, Mexico, Russia and USA.

European Central Bank (ECB)
In 1998 the ECB replaced the European Monetary Institute. Based in Frankfurt, it is responsible for the conduct of monetary policy and the performance of other central banking functions for the euro. It carries out these tasks together with the national central banks of the euro area. It is developing a strong reputation for research, particularly in monetary economics and is keen to attract talented from its member countries.

Careers: Internships are available for Masters and PhD students and very occasionally undergraduates. There is also a Graduate Programme for postgraduates, with PhDs particularly valued. Applicants for all programmes must be citizens of an EU country. These opportunities are advertised on the 'Working for Europe' section of the ECB website.

European Investment Bank
The European Investment Bank was created by the Treaty of Rome in 1958 as the long-term lending bank of the European Union. The task of the Bank is to contribute towards the integration, balanced development and economic and social cohesion of the EU Member States. The EIB raises substantial volumes of funds on the capital markets which it lends on favourable terms to projects furthering EU policy objectives. It is based in Luxembourg. 

Careers: Recruitment for permanent jobs usually requires work experience but it is possible to apply speculatively for work experience. Citizenship of an EU country is a requirement.

Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) 
The Inter-American Development Bank is the oldest and largest regional bank in the world, and is the main source of multilateral financing for economic, social and institutional development in Latin America and the Caribbean. Its loans and grants help finance development projects and support strategies to reduce poverty, expand growth, increase trade and investment, promote regional integration, and foster private sector development and modernization of the State. The IDB Group is composed of the IDB, the Inter-American Investment Corporation (IIC) and the Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF). The IIC focuses on support for small and medium-sized businesses, while the MIF promotes private sector growth through grants and investments. The Bank's HQ is in Washington, with regional offices in Latin America, Caribbean, France and Japan.

Careers: Employment opportunities include junior professional programmes ( you must have at least a Masters), summer and winter internships for graduate students, and separate summer/winter programmes for undergraduates. There are also several diversity programmes for Afro-descendants and indigenous peoples. All applicants must have citizenship in one of the 47 member countries. Fluency in at least two of the Bank's four official languages, English, Spanish, Portuguese and French, is required for most positions although, in practice, a good knowledge of Spanish is almost essential as that is what the staff speak in their daily interactions.

International Monetary Fund (IMF)
The IMF is an international organization of 185 member countries, with its HQ in Washington DC. It was established to promote international monetary cooperation, exchange stability, and orderly exchange arrangements; to foster economic growth and high levels of employment; and to provide temporary financial assistance to countries to help ease balance of payments adjustment. The IMF performs three main activities: monitoring national, regional and global economic and financial developments and advising member countries on their economic policies ("surveillance"); lending members hard currencies to bolster their international reserves in order to support policy programs designed to correct balance of payments problems; and offering technical assistance in its areas of expertise, as well as training for government and central bank officials.

Careers: The Economist Program, the main point of entry for economists into the IMF, is primarily targeted at PhDs in macroeconomics, public and international finance, although Masters candidates with some years' of relevant experience at the policy-making level are considered. There is also an internship programme for PhD students working in macroeconomics or related fields. They also have a Research Assistants Program offering a two-year non-renewable appointment (i.e. you cannot start an economist career in the IMF from here) which is open to candidates who are just completing an undergraduate degree in economics, computer statistics, math, or business administration.

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
The OECD brings together the governments of countries committed to democracy and the market economy to support sustainable economic growth; boost employment; raise living standards; maintain financial stability; assist other countries' economic development; and contribute to growth in world trade. The OECD HQ is located in Paris.

Careers: The OECD offers 'traineeships' similar to internships to full-time students, with economics a preferred discipline. Details of eligibility and how to apply are to be found in the 'Job Opportunities' section of the website, as well as details of the once every two years Young Professionals Program for which a PhD in Economics is preferred, but a Masters is acceptable.

United Nations (UN)
Careers: The UN recruits people from a wide range of academic disciplines and with varying levels and variety of work experience.  For opportunities with an economics focus use 'Economic Affairs' as a search word at the UN Galaxy e-staffing webpage.
Internships are also advertised on this site. In addition employment opportunities with a specific Economic and Social Development aspect across the UN can be accessed at UN: about economic and social development.

World Bank
The World Bank Group, headquartered in Washington and owned by its 185 member countries, is a source of financial and technical assistance to developing countries around the world. It is made up of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), the International Development Association (IDA), and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA). It also has a subsidiary, the International Finance Corporation(IFC), which acts as its private sector arm.

The IBRD focuses on middle income and creditworthy poor countries, while IDA focuses on the poorest countries in the world providing interest-free credit with long repayment periods. They provide low-interest loans and grants to developing countries for education, health, infrastructure, communications and many other purposes.

Careers: In addition to publishing job vacancies for experienced candidates the World Bank publishes opportunities for internships, its Junior Professional (JP) and Young Professional (YP) Programmes on its website. All have specific eligibility criteria and deadlines so it is essential to check the website if you are interested (look under Employment Opportunities).

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) also has some graduate entry level positions for Investment Analysts.  Recruitment for MIGA (Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency) internships and full-time entry level positions is via the main World Bank recruitment process.

World Economic Forum (WEF)
The World Economic Forum is an independent, international organization incorporated as a Swiss not-for-profit foundation. It runs the annual conference of world leaders at its annual conference in Davos. It sees itself as an international body representing the private sector (just as the UN represents the public sector. Its motto is 'entrepreneurship in the global public interest' and it believes that economic progress without social development is not sustainable, while social development without economic progress is not feasible. The Forum's headquarters are located on the outskirts of Geneva.

WEF members represent the 1,000 leading companies and 200 smaller businesses - many from the developing world - that play a potent role in their industry or region. The Forum provides member companies, governments and institutions the opportunity to work together to address global challenges. 

Careers: Job vacancies, usually requiring experience, are posted on their website.

World Trade Organisation (WTO)
The WTO is a global international organization dealing with the rules of trade between nations. At its heart are the WTO agreements, negotiated and signed by the bulk of the world's trading nations and ratified in their parliaments. The goal is to help producers of goods and services, exporters, and importers conduct their business.

Careers: The WTO secretariat (based in Geneva) maintains a limited internship programme for post-graduate university students wishing to gain practical experience and deeper knowledge of the multilateral trading system. Details of eligibility and how to apply are on the WTO website.

Public sector in the UK

Government Economic Service (GES)
The Government Economic Service (GES) is the UK's largest recruiter of economists with over 1000 professionals in more than 30 central government departments and agencies.

Careers: There are two ways to join (without substantial work experience): Fast Stream Assistant Economist (including the Diplomatic Service option); and Students Placements. A postgraduate degree in Economics is not essential but it is valued.

For an Economist position in the Diplomatic Service you must be a UK citizen, but for most other GES positions UK, EEA and Commonwealth citizens are eligible to apply. The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) sometimes directly recruits entry level Masters and PhD Economists same nationality criteria apply. Citizens of other countries are likely to find that similar opportunities exist in the public sector of their home country.

Organisations whose work includes international development cross a variety of sectors.

NGOs

Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) take the majority of new entrants to the sector. Whilst household names such as Oxfam and Save the Children are the most well-known, they receive many applications and can afford to be choosy and often expect candidates to have at least 2 – 3 years of relevant experience (e.g. with another NGO). 

However, there are thousands of smaller, less well-known NGOs which can offer excellent opportunities for new graduates. NGOs are often categorised by whether they are "development" (long-term programme work) or "humanitarian" (short-term, disaster relief) or a mixture of both ("dual mandate").  It is not essential to have a relevant Master's degree, but it's increasingly the norm. Some kind of previous experience gained through volunteering or paid work is essential.

• Exclusive resources - contains links to the Vault and other careers libraries which contain guides to working in NGOs and allow you to download books for free.

International organisations

These are organisations such as UNDP (United Nations Development Programme), WHO (World Health Organisation), WFP (World Food Programme) and the World Bank. 

They have a high profile and their professional ranks tend to be extremely difficult to enter for new graduates, unless you are recruited via their Young Professionals Programme (or equivalent); but this requires either a PhD and some relevant internship experience OR a Master's degree and significant relevant work experience (i.e. at least three years at the professional level as opposed to the "analyst" or "associate" level). 

While you can gain useful experience working on the local staff in the country or regional offices of international organisations, the local staff can find it difficult to move to the expatriate/HQ staff; there is often, in effect, "a glass ceiling." It is fine to get experience in these offices but probably a good idea to move on after a couple of years if you want your career to maintain momentum.

• International Organisations Day - links to specific organisations and copies of presentations from previous IOD events (an LSE Careers event run in Michaelmas term).

National governments

Many national governments run graduate training schemes in their International Development Agencies/Ministries. They usually don't require much prior work experience; the number of vacancies is low and competition is high. There may be nationality requirements – or the need to be fluent in the national language – at least in the central offices. In the field most vacancies are filled by local nationals.

A sample of useful websites:

• Agence Francaise de Developement - France.
• Department for International Development - UK.
• Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer internationale Zusammenarbeit - Germany, an amalgamation of the Deutsche Entwicklungsdienst and the GTZ.
• US Agency for International Development - USA.
• European Union - information about the European Union
• Going Global - an international careers information and listings website which we subscribe to for LSE students to use for free.

Think tanks and academia

This sub-sector employs a relatively small number of people. For academia you will need a PhD and a record of research and publications. For think tanks it’s more flexible, but most entrants have a Master's degree and prior research experience. The most well-known development think tank in UK is the Overseas Development Institute (ODI) which, amongst other things, runs an established and well-regarded Fellowship scheme, the deadline for which is usually December.

• Jobs.ac.uk - the principal jobs website for academia in the UK.
• Development Studies Association - useful for anyone involved in development research.
• Think tanks - compiled by LSE Careers.
• Think tanks by region - list of think tanks by LSE Careers.
• Academic careers - information for students considering a career in academia.

Foundations

In the UK this is a small field. There are about 8,800 trusts but only the largest 300 or so actually employ staff. Globally there are some influential foundations, such as the Clinton Foundation, the Aga Khan Foundation, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. A minority (such as the Clinton Foundation) run programmes themselves, but their principal role is the distribution of grants and assessing applications.

• Association of Charitable Foundations useful careers guide and a comprehensive list of grant-making foundations and charities in the UK.

Private sector

The private sector is playing an increasing role in international development. One area is development consultancy – commercial firms that take on contracts (usually from government or international organisations) to carry out international development work. Some of these organisations are very specialised (such as Social Development Direct) whilst others are divisions of large management consultancies (such as Accenture). While it is highly unlikely that graduates will be taken on as consultants without significant prior work experience, it may be possible to find “associate”, intern and volunteer positions in this sector.

In-house law departments exist in many big businesses and organisations that have identified the economic benefit of having their own in-house law team as opposed to commissioning outside firms. This is increasing in organisations like the Co-Operative and PwC and work can be found in the banks too e.g. Barclays has a big in-house department. Although in-house used to be looked down upon, this is no longer the case.

There are two main streams which enter in-house. The largest stream is qualified lawyers who are headhunted from practice. The smaller stream is juniors who join with little prior experience – training contracts tend to be offered as and when the business need requires it, with only a few structured graduate schemes available.

Training contract opportunities

As in-house legal departments advertise training contracts as and when the business need requires it, there are few formal graduate schemes (see next heading) so a student wanting to get into in-house legal work should keep an eye out for opportunities as and when they arise. Opportunities are advertised on:

• Law Gazette 
• Legal Week 
• The Lawyer 

It is important that anyone applying for a training contract (whether in-house, at an ABS or in a commercial or private firm) is clear about what the training will consist of, and should be happy and informed about the level of training they will receive.

Companies who have been known to offer training contracts to graduates in-house include Tesco, EDF Energy, Vodafone, Nokia and Ernst and Young to name but a few RBS. A fuller list can be found at the Legal 500. 

Formal graduate schemes

Few formal in-house graduate schemes exist:

• BT - work towards your LPC whilst working, choose seats to as part of your third year
• PwC - work as a trainee solicitor, working towards your LPC and during your training contract

Other routes into in-house legal services

As part of the training period, some private and commercial law firms allow and encourage secondments to in-house operations. A useful opportunity to see if in-house work is for you, and to make a good impression and potentially be head hunted by the company themselves.

Useful links

• Legal Week; in-house lawyers 
• The Lawyer; in-house law 
• The In-House Lawyer - news and information for lawyers working in house
• Solicitors Regulation Authority; in-house 

Knowing the law sector well is an important part of a successful route through the application process. The more you know about:

• The areas of law, the more confident you will appear when asked questions such as 'What areas of law are you interested in and why?'.
• The employer, the strong your motivation appears to employers and the more confidently you can address questions such as 'Why are you applying for this firm?'. 
• The sector and current trends and news, the more able you will be to show your commercial awareness, when asked questions such as 'What legal matters, changes to the law have you noticed of late and why?'.

Apply your knowledge and research to writing successful and professional CVs, cover letters and applications. 

Areas of law

Before you get started on applying for jobs in law it is important that you research the different areas of the law sector to decide which career path would best suit you. Areas of law include employment, private equity, real estate, IP, immigration, family, criminal to name but a few.

Researching employers and individuals

When applying for jobs it's important to know the employer you're applying to well (knowing their competitors can be important too). This can help in writing intelligent and quality applications, and will be useful when it comes to the interview process. The following are suggested ways to research legal employers and specific individuals:

Information published by the firm/chambers

Most firms/chambers will have a website containing information about them, their recruitment processes, their successes and their focus (specific areas of law, or related to internal schemes such as people development, diversity, etc.). These employers will also have promotional materials for you to collect at events they run or careers fairs they attend. 

Some may even appear in careers resources such as TARGETjobs, Times 100, Guardian 300, Lex 100, available for you to pick up for free from Tower 3, Floor 3.

This is the minimum information you should know about an employer.

Speak to employers

This will give you information not available on their website and can be something you refer to in a cover letter or personal statement. Attend:

• Law Fairs - book the LSE Careers Law Fair via LSE CareerHub (takes place each Michaelmas Term)
• Employer talks - many advertised on LSE CareerHub
• Open days - see employer websites  
• Work experience with them through vacation schemes and mini pupillages

Advice for law fairs from legal employers

• Approach the stand when it's not that busy and get into a conversation
• Employers are not impressed by students asking "who are you" "what do you do" "what is your deadline" - do your research beyond the website
• Students need to talk to the trainees on the stand, not to the HR staff; this is the way to find out about the culture, atmosphere etc.
• Do not ask the recruiter "what will make me stand out?"; how would they know having only just met you?
• Remember employers are there to ensure students are accurately informed but also to recruit; it is their chance to see whether you come across like a potential lawyer who they could put in front of clients
• Some graduate recruiters ask the trainees to keep a mental note of a student's name when they are talking to them and then jot it down after
• If a student impresses them at a fair they will keep their eye open for their application form but the form still has to be good.
• However, some firms do the same with students who do not impress

Information interviews

If you know someone who works within the profession, speak to them! Similarly, if you don't have existing contacts make some via LinkedIn; LSE alumni working in the law field are particularly good people to approach. Conduct an information interview; ask them how they got in, what experience they gained first, what important trends and news is having an affect on their everyday work, which area of law they work in. All this information can be useful to help you make decisions about your career, and great for an informed application.

Keep up to date with legal news

Commercial awareness is important in any career, but especially so in law. News stories about employers you are interested in applying to will appear in the national and commercial press and within sector specific publications.

Applying your research to applications

The research you have conducted about employers, the sector and areas of law and the news you have followed can all be used as part of the application and interview process. The following example questions are followed by ways in which this information can be applied:

Why are you applying to this firm?

• Think about why you applying to them and not their competitors
• Anything you say needs to be substantiated by saying why it is important to you
• Think about what makes them different and demonstrate that you have researched the firm (see list below)
• Show depth in your answer - don't quote the website, don't point to the obvious e.g. I want to work for you because you are a really well known firm
• There is no right answer e.g. if the attraction is a smaller number of trainees, say why

You may want to consider

• Their areas of specialism
• Range/size of clients; maybe national, international firms in addition to individuals; local businesses; clients dependent upon legal aid
• Size - more interested in working in a smaller team/larger team, working more individually i.e. smaller number of trainees, earlier responsibility
• Are they newly merged or expanding? Are they ambitious, maybe entering new markets?
• Have they been recommended to you?
• Did you attend an open day, talk at the LSE, speak to them at a fair?
• Reputation; have they won awards? Do they get good trainee reports in publications such as True Picture, Lex 100?
• Cases they have been involved in
• The reputation of individuals
• Career prospects/future of the firm e.g. retention rate, training provided
• Anything unusual/interesting about their training contract - 5 seats instead of 4, chance of overseas secondment etc.

Why are you interested in this area of law?

Use your research and knowledge from your work experience and education to identify a solid reason for your chosen area of law.

• Anything you say needs to be substantiated by referring to your education, work experience and extra curricular activities (if applicable)
• Demonstrate your understand of the area of law 
• There is no right answer, just be honest!

You may want to consider

• Links to any experience that helped you come to your decision
• Examples of cases you admire from the firm from your chosen area
• Reasons related to the current news and trends within the area of law

Why are you applying to this chambers?

• Think about why you applying to them and not their competitors
• Anything you say needs to be substantiated by saying why it is important to you 
• Think about what makes them different and demonstrate that you have researched the chambers (see list below) 
• Show depth in your answer - don't quote the website, don't point to the obvious 
• There is no right answer e.g. if the attraction is a smaller number of trainees, say why

You may want to consider

• Links to any experience that has helped you come to your decision about why this set, e.g. a mini pupillage
• Do they have a mission statement?
• The people in the set - look at the profiles as an indicator of the background and quality of their pupils
• Feel of the set - friendly, young or old, gender balance, background of barristers (information often gleaned from mini pupillages)
• What work do they do? What cases they have been involved in?
• Barrister profiles will give you an idea of the practice areas that the Chambers focuses on - their website may list many areas but it pays to research just how much they do in certain areas of law
• Is the work primarily defence, prosecution or a mixture of both?
• Number of pupillages on offer and conversion rate
• Ratio of silks to juniors - high ratio may indicate reputation, lots of junior work. However, in many areas of law there are fewer silks so only compare number of silks in same area of country and law
• Recommendations/reputation of the set - high quality cases, opportunity to work with and learn from good people
• Have you heard from members of the set at forums, Law Fair, National Pupillage Fair?
• Size of pupillage award
• Where they practise i.e. their circuits
• If the Chambers are outside of London you will need to make the case for a connection to the area
• Whether they are an established or growing set

What caught your eye in the press recently?

This question is a great opportunity to show your commercial awareness, your interest in the sector and, therefore, your motivation for a career in law.

• Consider what you have recently read in the national or commercial press
• Think about any matters your lecturers have mentioned in class
• Show your level of understanding of the issue you decide to discuss by giving details (technical and non-technical)
• Think about how this could affect the employer, their business or their clients and communicate your thoughts

Many law firms require candidates to undertake a case study at the final interview stage.  There is not one single format, so it is advisable to ask the recruitment team what you can expect.

Below are some general points and tips we have put together from feedback from students who have gone through the process and what firms have told us.

Bear in mind that recruiters are always trying to improve their processes, so focus on the skills they are looking for and how to demonstrate your motivation, rather than on preparing for specific types of exercises.

What are these interviews testing?

• commercial awareness
• ability to think logically using common sense and in a structured way
• ability to identify the key issues from a lot of information
• ability to summarise
• time management
• dealing with pressure and resilience
• interpersonal skills
  • communication, could include written work, presentation and rapport with interviewers
  • negotiation
  • motivation – are you enjoying this even if you feel slightly nervous?

Types of exercise

These vary from firm to firm and can be part of an individual interview or a group exercise – you can check with the firm. The material could be given to you in any of the following formats:

• a paragraph which may be about a current affairs issue or something specifically legal, read and then discuss
• an article from, for example, the FT
• a one or two page client scenario
• a bundle of documents, likely to be a merger or acquisition, an IPO

Tips for the paragraph and article exercises

• Read carefully
• Identify 2 or 3 key issues – think about political and economic aspects
• There may not be an obvious connection to the law firm, the interviewer may be wanting to stretch you intellectually and see how you think, whether you have an opinion that you are able to defend
• If the article has been reproduced by the firm and is set out in numbered paragraphs, this is so that you can refer to the paragraphs by number in the discussion

Client scenarios and ‘bundle of documents’ exercises

Possible scenarios may include a client (or a potential client) who is considering merging or acquiring another company, or a client who is being acquired by a competitor. The amount of material and time you are given will determine the level of detail you are expected to cover. In general it is advisable to cover as many aspects as you can broadly, rather than cover only one or two in great detail.

You may be asked a general question such as ‘what advice would you give to the client?’ or three or four specific questions.  For the latter it is most important to address all the questions rather then focussing on one and ignoring others.

Some firms will give you anything between five and 20 documents to read and answer one or more questions. You may be asked to give a short presentation followed by a discussion with the interviewer(s).

Documents may include

• summary of the situation – this could be in the form of an email or letter
• client or competitor strategy
• financial statements
• information about employees, equipment or other assets (such as property)
• contracts, leases, licences
• litigation, possible actions, non-disclosure
• regulatory information

Tips for document exercises

• Read the question(s) carefully and follow instructions
• Flick through quickly to establish the contents and make sure you look at the back page. You may even find an index to help you
• Take a minute to plan your time and leave enough to produce a presentation or at least review your thoughts before the interview
• Manage your time
• Use a highlighter
• Identify key elements relevant to the question(s)
• Don’t forget to consider whether the deal should even be done, is there a deal breaker, is there another option (particularly with disposals)?
• Consider risks to the client and/or to the firm
• Structure the presentation: beginning, middle and end which should be short summary with recommendations
• Watch grammar, spelling and punctuation

Preparation for these types of interviews

• Keep up to date with current affairs including areas of business that interest you
• Know how to read a balance sheet
• Have a broad understanding of mergers and acquisitions and how they are structured
• Know the difference between a share and asset sale
• Learn some basic business language
• Have a clear idea of the firm’s practice areas and what type of work they specialise in
• Revise contract law (if you are a law student)
• Understand the basics of a contract (if you are not a law student)
• Be clear on the importance of technology for all businesses 
• Good resources for city and global firms are books by Christopher Stoakes

Useful websites

• LSE Careers - interviews
• LSE Careers - case interviews
• Chambers Student - Corporate/M&A
• TARGETjobs - commercial awareness in law
• eCommerceFuel - How to read a balance sheet/
• Gov.uk - legal structures for businesses

As part of the recruitment process, in this kind of exercise you are given a set of papers relating to a particular situation and asked to make recommendations in a brief report. The firm will pick a case study relevant to the work they do. You are provided with a large amount of factual information. 

The most common written exercise is writing a letter to a client on whether or not to proceed with a business proposal, once you have read the relevant documents. You may be asked to present advice to the client (usually played by a partner) or answer questions on the case. You are being tested on your ability to: 

• Analyse information
• Think clearly and logically
• Exercise your judgement
• Express yourself on paper/ present yourself to a client

Examples of exercises

• Investment project - given a bundle of documents including letter from the bank, background information on accounts. Should the client invest?
• Write a report summarising the information given about an energy firm wanting to take over an urban community regeneration scheme. Look at the strengths, risks, obstacles to scheme and suggestions about whether it should move forward.
• Given a lengthy consultant's report with half an hour to read and then draft a presentation recommending whether to go ahead on buying the company - followed by questions.
• The client, a steel company, is losing money due to a rival. There's also a proceeding against your client. The rival company is thinking of merging with / acquiring your client's company. Look at the extract of a contract between the client and the steel supplier and advise your client of the pros and cons regarding the proceeding.
• Given an accident and medical report and photos - written answers to a series of questions.
• Proposed M&A - pick out the relevant parts to read and then present to the interviewers on what you feel is the correct course of action.
• Legal interpretation question based on fictional health and safety legislation.
• Interpret a section of the mental health act - answer questions from the interviewer.
• Employment service contract - review in order to answer 10 set questions.
• Five passages to rewrite in layman's terms.
• Draft a letter of complaint to a local electrical store regarding faulty goods.
• Read a case study on police ill treatment and then draft a report on the legal matters arising from it.

Individual tasks

Candidates generally work independently on such an exercise and their recommendation or decision is usually to be communicated in the form of a brief written report and/or a presentation made to the assessors. Ensure your thought processes are clearly articulated and available for the scrutiny of the assessors. Of paramount importance, if the brief requires a decision to be made, ensure that a decision is made and articulated.

Group tasks

You may be asked to do a case study as a group. It is likely to be along the lines of the first two exercises in the example with information given to the group to sift through and pull out the key facts. At the end the group will be asked to present to the interviewers, outlining the issues involved and key recommendations and then take questions as a group.

Letter drafting criteria

If in the exercise you are involved in drafting a letter, as part of the assessment the interviewer will check that it:

• Protects the interests of the client
• Meets the client's objectives
• Addresses all relevant factual and legal issues
• Identifies relevant options
• Is logically organised
• Is consistent and coherent
• Is clear and concise

Other preparation

In addition to the general preparation your course provides, you could also:

• Find out what sort of cases your employer specialises in
• Practice a Watson Glaser test, a critical reasoning test often used by firms at assessment centres
• Practice 'skim' reading which is an important skill. This feedback from a candidate demonstrates this:
  
  'The exercise was very time-pressured and I made the mistake of reading all of the information given before starting to write anything down. I got the impression that not all of the info was supposed to be relevant and that they were testing our ability to sift through written material to extract the most important things.'

Don't focus on the technicalities

Non-law students often do well on these exercises as they do not have the relevant knowledge of the law and so focus on sifting the information, whereas law students often get too involved with trying to understand the information in legal terms.

Changes to Solicitor Qualifications in England And Wales

You may be aware that the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is introducing a new method of assessment for qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales. Read more about this important change on LSE's Law site. A list of Frequently Asked Questions can also be found on the SRA website.

You will need to make a decision about where to study for your postgraduate courses. The Solicitors' Regulation Authority has information on the conversion course (GDL) and the LPC. It lists the providers of the courses and also publishes the reports and gradings made by the Law Society on the LPC providers, see becoming a solicitor.

Bar Standards Board pages list the core content of the BPTC course and a table of all BPTC course providers.

Open days

If you can, visit the providers on Open Days which will be listed on their homepages and on the Diary pages at LawCareers.net. Some of them will also be present at the LSE Law Fair and may be giving talks at LSE Careers (see LSE CareerHub). Consider:

• How the course is delivered i.e. mainly online, lectures or seminars
• Flexibility of delivery eg. part-time, full-time, weekends, evenings, distance learning, 7 months compressed course
• Range of electives available
• Location
• Atmosphere
• Student support available e.g. how often can you have careers appointments?
• Employer activity on campus 
• Range of extracurricular activities on offer
• Do they provide scholarships
• Ask how many of their students get training contracts/pupillages

Some of the law firms have entered into agreements with course providers to run courses specifically tailored to their needs. If these firms fund your course then they are likely to decide where you study, for example:

• BPP: GDL/LPC

*Shortlisted applicants for the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) at Kaplan Law School will be required to attend a BPTC selection day.

LLM

LLM Study has links to LLM providers worldwide, advice and a blog and forum. 

Teaching English abroad can be a career in its own right, but is also a popular option for graduates looking to take a year out. There are a variety of dedicated English language schools, and it can be a good way to live in a different culture and learn a new language before you settle upon a career.

There is something of a geographical hierarchy in teaching abroad. Salaries are relative to the standard of living in each country, so as teachers gain more experience a "pay raise" is often affected by a move into a developed country. As such positions in Western Europe often require a TEFL or TESOL qualification as well as two years' experience. In developing countries you may not need any qualification or experience at all.

The exception to this is summer work, when British and European English Language schools frequently hire recently qualified teachers. Typically they pay a good salary and give free accommodation for two or three months.

In developing countries you will receive a high salary relative to the real wage and normally get your airfare reimbursed. Just don't expect have to have saved much on your return!

Teaching with a qualification

Most established schools require a their teachers to have a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) qualification - known as the UCLES CELTA - or a Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) qualification - known as the CertTESOL.

Training typically takes a month. There are schools which can train teachers all over the world, so you could combine a holiday in a foreign country with gaining a qualification.

The Europea-pages gives you more information on where to find TEFL courses..

Trinity College lists the providers of the CertTESOL qualification.

You will normally receive advice on finding a job at the end of your training: some schools will help you find employment afterwards.

Teaching without a qualification

In developing countries in particular, having English as a mother-tongue is considered a teaching qualification in its own right. While a TEFL or TESOL qualification is likely to give you more confident in the classroom, some schools do not require one.

TEFL.com is the main website listing job vacancies for teaching English abroad, and a good place to start your search for a job.

If you are thinking of accepting a position, be cautious. While the majority of teachers encounter no problems in a country where you do not speak the language - you could struggle to get legal representation to secure promised pay or plane tickets.

Good advice is to:

• Do a web search of the school before you apply. If the school treats employees badly it is likely a disgruntled teacher has already posted warnings on a forum somewhere.
• Get a copy of the contract in both English and the foreign language and ask an independent native speaker to check that they are identical.
• Ensure you enter the country on a work visa. If the school offers to transfer your visa once you arrive then you have no guarantee of getting paid.

The British Council

A more organised way to teach abroad is to become a language assistant with the British Council: assisting in English lessons in schools. Successful applicants can be placed in seventeen countries all over the world - including countries in Europe; their overseas territories; as well as Africa; Latin America and China. Salaries vary according to the country, but you would typically help teach between 12 and 20 hours of classes a week. To apply you need to be able to speak the language of the country, except for China, to which anybody can apply.

The JET scheme

The Japanese Exchange and Teaching Programme (JET Scheme) is an official Japanese government scheme to recruit temporary foreign language teachers in Japan. Typically participants assist or team-teach with a native Japanese teacher in a secondary school. While a TEFL qualification and knowledge of Japanese will help an applicant secure a place, they are by no means requirements for the scheme.

As a world renowned institution with a global reputation, I knew I wanted to continue my studies at the LSE after my undergraduate degree at Goldsmiths. The reputation of Department of Sociology for delivering a world-class education in sociology was my primary reason for choosing the university.

How did you find the student experience at LSE?

The student experience at LSE was excellent, teachers were highly supportive and the public events were very intuitive and enjoyable. I have always been a Londoner and so continuing my studies right in the centre of London certainly came with a positive buzz!

Please describe your career path to date:

I am now studying my PhD at Cambridge University, whilst also working in capacity building at the Afghanistan and Central Asian Association (ACAA) a London based charity. Deciding to start my PhD was a big decision for me, but I knew it was the right one. I was sure of what I wanted to research and knew it was the right time to make this transition.

What advice do you have for LSE students who are looking to enter a similar profession to you?

Volunteering with the ACAA boosted my masters and PhD applications, offering me more responsibilities than I may have taken on in paid employment. So I would certainly advice students get involved in volunteering whilst they are studying as it enables them to make a swifter transition to further education or into full time employment.

The LSE is a well renowned institution and one of the top  social science universities  in the world with cutting-edge research and teaching base. I had previously studied psychology as a component during my Bachelor's degree and I wanted to combine the principle with an additional organisational context.

Overall, how do you look back on your LSE experience?

It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience and provided with additional tools for me to advance my career.

Please describe your career path to date. 

I have since worked for a human resource consultancy. My degree allowed me to evaluate difficult work situations and helped me enhance my problem solving techniques. In my most recent job as a fixed income broker, I have managed to build and enhance relationships with clients in the financial markets.

Why did you choose your current job?

I was offered the position and I regard it as a good opportunity for career progression.

Tell us about your current job.

I am a fixed income broker in the financial markets. I work in a competitive environment. It is a high intensity job with many responsibilities. I work in London and feed of the fast paced rhythm of the city.

What advice do you have for LSE students who are looking to enter a similar profession to you?

Great reputation, experienced lecturers, impressive classmates, and a fantastic location - what more could you want?

Overall, how do you look back on your LSE experience?

It was fantastic to be immersed in such a cosmopolitan environment, and making friends with people from all sorts of backgrounds!

Please describe your career path to date:

Doing the MSc was a great way to confirm that consulting was the right field for me. That led me to EY, who was offering a chance to explore a number of different roles within the firm. Over the last three years, I've moved across multiple teams including both Advisory and Transactions, deepening my understanding of the business, before finding a fantastic opportunity to work in a rapidly growing new industry.

Why did you choose your current job?

Finance touches everyone's lives in multiple ways, and FinTech is looking to change how the FS industry operates - not just for banks or individuals but also across every other industry.

Tell us about your current job:

I work with EY's global head of FinTech, meaning I see both sides of practice development - the client work and how to keep a team running!

What advice do you have for LSE students who are looking to enter a similar profession to you?

Try to take up something new every year - you'll be surprised what talents you have (it also makes for great dinner party conversation!)

Given LSE's reputation as one of Europe’s leading academic institutions and its renowned history as a hub for intellectual developments, I was convinced that the school's MPA program would help me meet my country's need for professional policy makers.

Overall, how do you look back on your LSE experience?

Pursuing a post-graduate degree at LSE has indeed provided me with a sound academic training by a distinguished faculty board. Both my knowledge and international exposure have grown exponentially as a result of this unique experience in cosmopolitan London.

Please describe your career path to date:

Upon my graduation in 2013, I took on a Research Analyst position at the Environmental Defense Fund in the United States. I then returned to my home country, Egypt, to pursue my passion for teaching through a fellowship at the American University in Cairo and at the same time, explore a career opportunity at the International Finance Corporation.

Why did you choose your current job?

Teaching is one of the most fulfilling and rewarding jobs I have ever had. I love the interaction with my students. At the same time, working at the International Finance Corporation has provided me with the opportunity of getting important practical experience in private sector development.

Tell us about your current job:

I am currently based in Cairo, Egypt and I love the working environment at both institutions. I am very happy and grateful for the opportunity to pursue such an exciting career while being physically proximate to my parents.

What advice do you have for LSE students who are looking to enter a similar profession to you?

LSE will provide you with one of the most rigorous academic trainings you can get. However, the school has more to offer in terms of societies and extra-curricular activities. Try to tap on the school's non-academic resources and explore cosmopolitan London.

I chose the LSE based on a colleague's recommendation and the LSE's global reputation and ranking.

Overall, how do you look back on your LSE experience?

I look back on my time at the LSE with fondness. I was challenged and supported to grow in my learning and thinking by professors and 

Please describe your career path to date:

My career path is not a straightforward one. Prior to attending the LSE, I had 5 years of experience in the not-for-profit sector. I had come to the LSE planning to launch an international development career. To earn some income during my time at the LSE, I began working for a start-up non-profit that provided life coaching for people in the criminal justice system. Though I managed operations, I received a bit of coach training as part of my professional development, which piqued my interest in the subject.

Also during my time at the LSE, I attended The Business Show, where entrepreneurship was reframed in my mind as a viable career option. I realised this was a strong interest for me, and my not-so-coincidental work in the start-up organisation gave me a taste of what launching my own organisation could be like.

Why did you choose your current job?

International development is still an issue close to my heart, but I chose to start a social enterprise by asking not ‘What is the biggest problem that I could help solve?’ (for which ‘international development’ is a strong contender!), but ‘What are my own strengths, experiences, interests, and opportunities, and what problem could I help solve considering these?’

I contemplated one previous role that stuck with me above the others – managing an emergency shelter and crisis line for women affected by domestic abuse. I thought about the episodic and generational cycles I’d seen perpetuated despite the organisation delivering excellent prevention and intervention services to men, women, children, victims and perpetrators in the community. There seemed to be an opportunity to help end cycles of abuse.

Coaching was an interest and a strength for me, and I was curious if this would be a suitable intervention to break cycles of abuse. It was absolutely an innovative one! Though there was no research available on life coaching and domestic abuse, research did support related outcomes. I called up my former workplace, ran and evaluated a successful pilot one-to-one coaching programme with four women – and the rest is history.

Tell us about your current job:

As above, I'm entrepreneur with an early-stage social enterprise (located in London, UK).

Day-to-day responsibilities:

-Very varied!

-Programme design

-Associate and volunteer management

-Client/ programme management

-Strategically expand network and build strong relationships

-Build partnerships

-Provide leadership coaching

-Admin: accounting, managing database, liaising with solicitors, insurers, etc.

-Fundraising

-Marketing and sales

-Writing

Personal qualities and skills that help me:

-I'm a generalist at heart. I connect with many experts to get things done.

-I'm a starter. I love generating ideas and setting them in motion.

-I'm self-aware - for instance, whilst I know that ideating is a strength, seeing a project through to completion feels more effortful for me.

-I consciously create a work environment for success. I build routine in my day to minimise drawing from willpower, which is finite. I manage my energy by not booking consecutive days for meetings (I'm an introvert, and draw my energy from being alone). I schedule time in my week for unforeseen tasks. And I also schedule downtime, including one full day off per week.

-I'm intrinsically motivated, and I've also got a board that keeps me accountable. They share in our successes - and failures!

What advice do you have for LSE students who are looking to enter a similar profession to you?

When entering entrepreneurship, pay attention to your internal factors (strengths, interests, experiences) and external factors (opportunities, resources/ supports). Though I hadn't worked out that I wanted to start an organisation during my time at the LSE, they have entrepreneurship societies where you can connect with like-minded others, and the CareerHub offers support as well.

Premiere institution, home of social policy.

Interest in pursuing a career in policy research and advocacy.

Overall, how do you look back on your LSE experience?

Enriching, life-defining, fun, challenging, enormously satisfying.

Please describe your career path to date:

I am with a non-profit organisation in The Hague in The Netherlands, which works on building resilience in communities in order to understand the systemic causes that lead to exclusion, alienation and possibly violent radicalisation and extremism.

Why did you choose your current job?

Because I am passionate about and believe in what the organisation stands for. Because it marries my interests of empirical and cutting-edge research, work at the community level, writing and communicating, and advocating and influencing policy. And because the content of the work and the variety of ways we go about delivering the content is endlessly contextual and fascinating.

Tell us about your current job:

As Communications and Advocacy Officer, I manage both the external and internal communications for the organisation, which includes strategising as well as helping operationalise the strategy. With my advocacy hat on, I help push through key advocacy agendas. My current project involves looking at how the operating space of civil society worldwide is being impacted by counter-terror legislation, and building a coalition to help change that. Given that I am part of a small organisation, my role involves a lot of multi-tasking - of a day, you could be writing a grant proposal, updating Twitter, attending a workshop with youth mentors/mentees in the community, helping structure a new website as part of an ongoing advocacy effort, taking a class on the Foreign Fighter phenomenon...

What advice do you have for LSE students who are looking to enter a similar profession to you?

Always useful to have on-the-ground experience in communities facing difficulties (either in conflict zones or otherwise). Good listening skills are paramount, along with a certain level of humility and generally taking up less space when working in communities on the ground!

LSE offers a unique opportunity to study the social sciences in a university institution with a worldwide academic reputation.

The LSE Department of Sociology has played a key role in establishing and developing the discipline since 1904. It remains committed to providing top quality teaching, and to research and scholarship which is leading the evolution of the social sciences into new intellectual areas and the study of the social problems and ethical dilemmas facing a cosmopolitan and fractured society.

Overall, how do you look back on your LSE experience?

Fantastic.

Please describe your career path to date:

I am the International secretary to the Chief Justice of Argentina and an external consultant at the local office of UNESCO in Argentina working on heritage and conflict issues. In tandem, I am also specialised in the social theory of transitional justice and reconciliation, which was the main topic of my MSc dissertation.

Why did you choose your current job?

Because it condensates both justice and international affairs, my two areas of academic expertise.

Tell us about your current job:

I work full time at the Palace of Justice of Argentina, at the Chambers of the Chief Justice, and part time at the UNESCO Villa Ocampo-Observatory.

What advice do you have for LSE students who are looking to enter a similar profession to you?

Have a specific profile and specialise in a concrete area.

LSE is widely known by its reputation specially when searching for best universities in Social Policy arena. Back in 2012 when I started to search for an academic environment that can propose a practical but at the same time up-to-date program in the field of social policy there was no doubt that LSE was my best option. My undergraduate and post graduate education relies on Economics and Statistics and the program in Social Policy gave me just the perfect match, complement and mix experience, knowledge and the latest empirical work in social issues.

Overall, how do you look back on your LSE experience?

The lectures with well-renowned professors including the laboratories were the perfect environment to obtain the required knowledge. However, the most relevant portion of the program was the dedication to discuss new papers in the form of seminars. In the former spaces professors and alumni were able to discuss and get "hands in" a particular topic. All the knowledge and practice in lectures, laboratories and seminars were combined to produce a final essay at the end of a term.

The overall experience was wonderful since I spent all the time in the program with my wife and 6 month old daughter; therefore, combining classes, seminars, readings, essays in London was very stimulating and grateful.

Please describe your career path to date:

LSE gave me the perfect match to complement my experience in the field of monitoring and evaluation (M&E). I started my career in 2008 at the United Nations as a consultant, then as Senior Monitoring Assistant (Data Base Management). After finishing my studies at LSE I applied to another post as Monitoring and Evaluation Officer in a new office at sub national level in Bolivia and got the job. There are almost 3 years since I started my current post at UNICEF and graduation from LSE. Nowadays, I will move to a new post at UNICEF in Argentina in the same field of M&E.

Why did you choose your current job?

The focus of my undergraduate and postgraduate training thus far has been Social Development, Economics and Statistics. As a bachelor I wrote my thesis about social issues in particular I was interested about the possible impact on mothers' income when they leave their infants in a child centre. Since then my focus of work and studies rely on infants, children and adolescents. At UNICEF I have the opportunity to make a difference advocating to improve children's situation via the knowledge and experience acquired at LSE.

Tell us about your current job:

In my current job I deal with issues related to social policies at national and subnational levels, including advocacy for fulfilment of most excluded and vulnerable children´s rights (e.g. indigenous and those living in rural areas). The most remarkable results during this assignment are: i) effective advocacy with majors and main authorities to shed light on children’s rights based on evidence (two Situation Analysis reports) to influence on processes of planning and allocation of funds for 2016; ii) Formal establishment of the Economic and Social Observatory in the Academia and the Analysis and Knowledge Management Unit in the municipality of Sucre to strengthening skills on compelling, generating, analysing and disseminating of data; iii) Departmental Plans and Laws for children and adolescents promulgated in two departments to ensure fulfilment of children rights, iv) Networks established with academia (universities in two departments), civil society (NGO) and Cluster of Municipalities.

What advice do you have for LSE students who are looking to enter a similar profession to you?

If you think you can make a difference specially when working with vulnerable and excluded populations, have the experience but need to complement with the latest methodologies and approaches in the social policy field do not hesitate to consider LSE as the first option to become a leader and expert in the social issues field.

Who wouldn't want to study at a globally esteemed institution in the heart of the world's greatest city?

Overall, how do you look back on your LSE experience?

I loved my time at LSE. In particular, through my electives and my dissertation, I was able to shape an experience that was fun, edifying and deeply rewarding.

Please describe your career path to date:

I worked as a magazine editor and writer for nearly a decade before enrolling at LSE. During my time at school, I began working with two friends who were starting a creative consultancy in New York and Toronto; upon graduating, the pair invited me to join them as a partner back in my hometown of Toronto. It was an ideal opportunity at a key inflection point in my life.

Why did you choose your current job?

It provided an opportunity to think deeply about esoteric questions and engage in fun, creative projects, while operating in an entrepreneurial, commercially rewarding context.

Tell us about your current job:

I am actively involved in all of Whitman Emorson's projects. Based in Toronto, with a substantial portion of our work in New York, we work closely with organizations to help them understand themselves—their values, their purpose—and to translate that understanding into purposeful and compelling design-driven solutions.

What advice do you have for LSE students who are looking to enter a similar profession to you?

For me, the secret to extracting the most out of my experience was two-fold. My advice: First: Take on ambitious, outrageous projects. Write the dissertation you want to read—not the one you can easily understand and envision. Push yourself and embrace the toughest bits. Second: Go beyond LSE. I worked steadily throughout my year at LSE, consulting with brands and contributing to magazines. I continued to build my professional network while also indulging my academic and intellectual pursuits. It's a wonderful balance if you can strike it.

Motivated to learn impact evaluation methods which are increasingly applied in social sector (e.g., education and health). LSE provides best and flexible curriculum to accommodate my needs.

Overall, how do you look back on your LSE experience?

By no means easy and a plenty of stressful days, but may worth it once in a life time. I could see the world differently with my analytical skills and thoughts.

Please describe your career path to date:

After completing LSE program, I joined Independent Evaluation Group (IEG) of the World Bank as an evaluation officer, and then moved to Asian Development Bank (ADB) as Young Professional.

Why did you choose your current job?

Simply my dream to serve for the development in Asia and Pacific.

Tell us about your current job:

Engage in improving education and vocational training systems for South Asian countries.

What advice do you have for LSE students who are looking to enter a similar profession to you?

My brother did an undergraduate at LSE and spoke very highly of the institution, and having completed an undergrad in Computer Science with Business Management myself, I wanted to pursue a course aimed at management of IT/IS. I felt this course was perfect for what I was looking for and provided me with the perfect springboard for employment.

Overall, how do you look back on your LSE experience?

Fantastic - a great experience with a lot of lessons learnt and knowledge gained. Also made new friends worldwide who I am still in contact with. Writing this makes me want to go back! :)

Please describe your career path to date:

Having completed an Undergraduate degree in Computer Science with Business Management, I wanted to go towards management of IT and IS. Following my MSc at LSE, I had a gap year to pursue other interests I have always wanted to try (ranging from property refurbishment to travelling), and secured a job at Lloyds Banking Group as an IT Management Trainee. Following the two year graduate programme, I secured a role as a Technology Risk Manager in IT Business Unit Control Function, managing IT risks in Retail and Digital Banks.

Why did you choose your current job?

I didn't enjoy the programming aspects of computing - which is why I felt the course at LSE was vital for me. This course strengthened my CV in applying for IT Management jobs.

Tell us about your current job:

I manage stakeholders and liaise with colleagues in Group IT to ensure all technology risks are identified and mitigated in line with the bank's risk appetite. What I have learnt is that employment does not mean the end of your studies! I have in the past couple of years gained the Chartered Banker Diploma, Management of Risk Foundation and Practitioner, and am currently enrolled on a Cyber Security course to continue developing myself. My office is based in London Bridge and the working environment Lloyds Banking Group provide me with is much better than what I expected!!

What advice do you have for LSE students who are looking to enter a similar profession to you?

I would definitely make the most of your time at LSE. Careers services, peers and your network at LSE is far more powerful than you can imagine!! Professors have also written me some fantastic references for me which certainly helped me land this job! "Work hard play hard", but don't forget your goals (and why you're there in the first place!).

School's global reputation

Overall, how do you look back on your LSE experience?

Life-changing

Please describe your career path to date:

Nonprofit organizations related to promoting Israel-China relations

Why did you choose your current job?

Interest and passion for Israel-China relations

Tell us about your current job:

Semi-government public organization in Israel

What advice do you have for LSE students who are looking to enter a similar profession to you?

Global mindset, determination and cross-cultural communication skills

The LSE is a well renowned institution and one of the top  social science universities  in the world with cutting-edge research and teaching base. I had previously studied psychology as a component during my Bachelor's degree and I wanted to combine the principle with an additional organisational context.

Overall, how do you look back on your LSE experience?

It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience and provided with additional tools for me to advance my career.

Please describe your career path to date:

I have since worked for a human resource consultancy. My degree allowed me to evaluate difficult work situations and helped me enhance my problem solving techniques. In my most recent job as a fixed income broker, I have managed to build and enhance relationships with clients in the financial markets.

Why did you choose your current job?

I was offered the position and I regard it as a good opportunity for career progression.

Tell us about your current job:

I am a fixed income broker in the financial markets. I work in a competitive environment. It is a high intensity job with many responsibilities. I work in London and feed of the fast paced rhythm of the city.

What advice do you have for LSE students who are looking to enter a similar profession to you?

Work hard and 'put yourself out there'. Be diligent and remain fair to all those your work with and for.

Reputation, recommendation from friends, features of the program (e.g. length)

Overall, how do you look back on your LSE experience?

Great experience. Offered tremendous growth opportunities, shaped my mind.

Please describe your career path to date:

LSE helped me to land a job at McKinsey, where i worked for 2.5 years after graduation, then went on to take an MBA at Columbia Business School, and went back to McKinsey afterwards.

Why did you choose your current job?

Problem solving oriented nature and learning opportunities offered

Tell us about your current job:

Day-to-day responsibilities are project-based, but involve problem solving, data analysis, presentations, interactions with various stakeholders at all companies levels.

What advice do you have for LSE students who are looking to enter a similar profession to you?

Make greater use of the network of LSE alumni

Reputation, personal interests

Overall, how do you look back on your LSE experience?

Inimitable

Please describe your career path to date:

Since leaving LSE in 2013, I joined Ofcom as a Content Policy Associate - a rather natural fit for a Media and Communications Governance Student. Having a Master's from the renowned M&C Department at LSE was deemed equivalent to a two-year graduate scheme at the same organisation. My analytical skills and my knowledge of research methods, which I got at LSE, were routinely used at my job.

In 2016 I joined a strategy advisory firm called Mediatique.

Why did you choose your current job?

I wanted to combine my background in Media and Communications Governance and the knowledge I had acquired at Ofcom with my earlier background in economics and management.

Tell us about your current job:

Mediatique is a small but renowned strategy advisory firm based in London. We work mostly with broadcasters and platform providers and other media companies in the UK and Europe.

My day-to-day job involves market data and trend analysis, financial modelling, and forecasting. We also provide policy analysis and assistance to media companies who need to adjust their strategy on the basis of policy / legal changes.

What advice do you have for LSE students who are looking to enter a similar profession to you?

Stay up to date to what is going on in the market; don't take the headlines on news websites at face value.

I came to an open day and met Nick Anstead who seemed really interested in my proposal.  He encouraged and advised me and then became my supervisor.  The intellectual environment at the LSE suited me because I wanted to study political communication from within a media and communications department rather than a politics department.

Overall, how do you look back on your LSE experience?

The rigour and commitment of the academics in the media and communications department has been fantastic and because they are internationally and nationally networked I've been able to connect with so many fantastic scholars from the first year I arrived here.  I loved every aspect of studying for a PhD and had the chance to work on a cutting edge research project on the mediatization of government at the same time.

Please describe your career path to date:

I worked at the LSE summer school last year and then spent the academic year 2016-17 lecturing on Brunel University's MA in Media and Public Relations, seeing the students through from arrival to final dissertations.  The fact that I had more than 20 years' experience in PR before arriving at the LSE was quite important in my getting the job and helped give me more credibility with the students. I started out teaching because I felt obliged to do it for my career but I've found that I really enjoy it and find it enriching.

Why did you choose your current job?

Having enjoyed the teaching at the LSE and Brunel I thought I would try to find a more secure form of employment which would allow me to both teach and research rather than applying for research fellowships.  The job at the University of Hertfordshire is part-time, so I will have extra time for writing and research.

Tell us about your current job:

I start the job next month so I don't know what the balance of the job will feel like but there will be will be lots of student contact which I enjoy.  The amount of marking worries me a bit but it will be good experience, and it's a fact of life in academia.  The University of Hertfordshire is very close to London, in Hatfield, and is really easy to get to.

What advice do you have for LSE students who are looking to enter a similar profession to you?

Prioritise your PhD because that's where everything else springs from but take the time to attend conferences and smaller academic events so you can think and talk around your subject.  This also helps you to start publishing.  As you get close to submitting your PhD you can look out for hourly paid teaching opportunities to broaden your experience.

It's the world's top centre for the social sciences. I was interested in political economy and mass communication with a focus on the GATT Uruguay Round and negotiations between the US and EU on audiovisual services and intellectual property rights related to copyright.

Overall, how do you look back on your LSE experience?

It was the ideal institution to pursue an interdisciplinary doctorate encompassing international relations, political economy, communications, and cultural studies. My supervisor, the library staff, and the individuals who formed my "upgrade committee" all played key roles in my success. LSE's location provided me with easy access to industry and government sources in London, Paris, and Brussels. But what has made a lasting impression on me is the list of world leaders who have studied at LSE. I am proud and honoured to be an alumnus.

Please describe your career path to date:

After LSE, I spent 14 years in the higher education industry with an SAAS start-up and a Fortune 500 corporation, and then started my own consultancy. I conduct masterclasses on advanced questioning skills at UK universities, institutes, public sector organisations, and private firms.

Why did you choose your current job?

It was the right time. With the approaching waves of automation and AI in labour markets, a new kind of work-related competition is on its way. Work associated with social intelligence and critical thinking relies on questioning skills.

Tell us about your current job:

I work mainly in London and Edinburgh. I teach an advanced, interdisciplinary approach to enquiry that combines principles from urban planning, investigative reporting, social psychology, cognitive neuroscience, and more. I deliver lectures and workshops for groups ranging from undergraduate and graduate students to managing directors and board members. I deliver two forms of workshops: academic skills (fieldwork skills and a new approach to crafting a research question), and life skills (building rapport and gathering insights from others) for those who go into industry.

What advice do you have for LSE students who are looking to enter a similar profession to you?

Do what you love to do, not what you like to do. Pursue degree(s) and other forms of training at the world's best institutions of higher learning; they typically attract the best minds and resources. Gain practical experience before going out on your own. Be patient. It's been said before but it's worth repeating: Overnight sensations are rarely overnight sensations; they put in years of hard work and sacrifice before they became household names. Finally, be the best at what you do.

The School's global reputation in the field of social sciences and political science, as well as the curriculum offered by the European institute which matched my ambitions to work on EU related affairs

Overall, how do you look back on your LSE experience?

My experience at LSE was very positive and I am convinced that my LSE degree provided me with a strong analytical background which allowed me to obtain the kind of positions I was looking for: first as a research assistant for consultancies and think tanks and currently as EU policy officer for the French bilateral development agency (AFD). I have also kept strong ties with my fellow graduates, many of whom are also living and working in Brussels. LSE truly lives beyond the degree as it creates inestimable bonds and is a global network!

Please describe your career path to date:

After my degree, I immediately landed a position as Research Analyst for a public sector consultancy, Human Dynamics, based in Vienna. It was actually directly through LSE Careers as I learnt about the company at a Careers Fair while studying. After that experience, I joined a think tank specialised on EU development policy, doing research. And I am currently EU policy officer for the French Development Agency in Brussels.

Why did you choose your current job?

I chose my current job as it reflects exactly what I chose to specialise on: development policy and EU affairs. As a strong believer in the value of European cooperation, building and strengthening partnerships with other bilaterals and with the European Commission itself is inspiring. It is also exciting to work in the area of innovative financing and to contribute to designing the sustainable development policies of tomorrow which will help create jobs and opportunities for young people in Africa in a climate friendly manner.

Tell us about your current job:

I am in charge of monitoring EU activities related to development policy and in particular innovative financing (blending loans with grants) as well as of identifying new EU opportunities for my company. I am also in charge of partnerships with other European bilateral agencies and development finance institutions and of helping to identify common positions on EU policies. Finally my role is to advice operational colleagues from the headquarters on how to access and manage EU funds.

What advice do you have for LSE students who are looking to enter a similar profession to you?

Be patient and if you have a clear career plan, things will line up for you! Be opportunistic while keeping the global vision of where you want to go!

The School's reputation and the degree offered was exactly what I was looking for - a combination of theory and practical implementation.

Overall, how do you look back on your LSE experience?

Incredible academics, talented students, and an impressive curriculum. I can understand why it has the reputation it does!

Please describe your career path to date:

I worked at StartUp Britain before I started my MSc at LSE, where I continued working post graduation before going on to work at a think tank supporting entrepreneurial policies to try to make the UK the best place in the world to start a business. I have since joined Escape the City and now run the Escape School, helping people to quit their unfulfilling corporate careers and do work that matter to them. I also work as a freelance policy advisor and teach 16/17 year olds how to start businesses.

Why did you choose your current job?

Opportunities manifest through people, I nurtured relationships with people doing interesting things and was invited to join the Escape team to help them expand their business to NYC. It was an easy choice, helping people and seeing the ripple effect of people doing things that matter to them is incredibly rewarding.

Tell us about your current job:

I am responsible for interviewing potential candidates for our programmes, and then I teach both the Career Change and Startup Accelerator courses. I also oversee all of our Escape School operations in NYC, recruiting the team, managing people, and making sure that we are making good decisions. A lot of my time lies in session planning and designing tools and materials that will support the students, as well as a lot of one on one coaching sessions. I mostly work in London but travel occasionally to run programmes elsewhere.

What advice do you have for LSE students who are looking to enter a similar profession to you?

Practice the principles of 'the Hustle': Create value (make things just because, don't wait for permission to start something, and do things that matter to you), Share publicly (Don't be a charlatan, or a martyr, but both do and tell. That's how you get noticed!), and Create authentic relationships (everyone knows when you want something from them, so build real relationships by helping people because you care, by asking others for help, and by reframing how you think about networking). Most importantly, just start! Too many people wait until they've found the right path, test things out, try new career paths and take opportunities as they come, that's how you'll find the right thing for you.

After I completed my BA in International Politics, I knew that I wanted to focus on social policy and felt that I needed more in-depth knowledge in this area. As the LSE's Social Policy Department is renowned for its historical importance and cutting-edge teaching and research, it was an obvious first choice for me.

Overall, how do you look back on your LSE experience?

I loved my time at the LSE, especially the countless discussions with interesting people from all over the world about policy issues. Many professors inspired me and got me to appreciate the importance of evidence-based policy making and of rejecting simple explanations 

Please describe your career path to date:

As I had already gained work experience through internships and volunteering during my studies, I was lucky to get a job before I graduated with a healthcare consultancy in London where I worked on projects as well as commissioned research on governance in the NHS. After a year and a half there I moved on to a policy officer job where I could use my knowledge about European social policy (it was a network of public social services in Europe). As Brexit put relocation to Brussels for this NGO on the cards, I changed jobs again a year and a half later and am now working for the Council of Deans of Health where I lead on international and research policy in health higher education.

Why did you choose your current job?

It was important for me to work for an organisation with a positive mission as well as integrity. The Council of Deans of Health seeks to raise the profile of nursing, midwifery and allied health professional subjects at universities, which I find very important. As I'm leading on the organisation's global portfolio, I am also able to use my experience and knowledge about European and international contexts.

Tell us about your current job:

Everything I do in my job is determined by what is valuable to our members, therefore I am in contact with them a lot to ask them to review papers I have written, provide me with examples for those papers, organise meetings with them to discuss topical and/or strategic issues, or share representation at conferences and external stakeholder groups with them. I also do a lot of desktop research on issues around research in health higher education and international health higher education. I also liaise regularly with colleagues and external stakeholders - which means good communication and social skills are important! I'm coaching a more junior member of team, which I enjoy very much as it allows me to share some of my experience in a very practical way. Finally, being organised, able to prioritise and getting things done on time without compromising quality is absolutely essential to my job as is keeping up to date with policy developments in my area.

What advice do you have for LSE students who are looking to enter a similar profession to you?

My advise would be to think carefully about what kind of job is right for you but also not to be too narrow. Getting your first job is much harder than getting subsequent ones, therefore it's good to keep an open mind when you start your career. I think my internships, volunteering experiences and my involvement in student societies helped me a lot as well, therefore I would strongly advise you to do a lot of those things before you graduate. Many opportunities, especially student societies, will never come again, so make the most of them!

Studying at LSE was my childhood dream.

Overall, how do you look back on your LSE experience?

My proudest achievement.

Please describe your career path to date:

My dissertation topic was the root causes of homicide; reading and researching on this subject opened up my horizon, totally changed my perspective for "murderers".

Why did you choose your current job?

As Kant coined; two things awe me most, the starry sky above me and the moral law within me. That's why I become a judge with an aspire to astrophotography.

Tell us about your current job:

Currently I am working as a reporter judge at Turkish Court of Cassation in Ankara. I am mostly reporting cases about homicides. My job requires tremendous responsibility since members of court of cassation deliver the final judgement about a case on the basis of my report.

What advice do you have for LSE students who are looking to enter a similar profession to you?

"If you don't paddle your own canoe, you don't move" - Katherine Hepburn.

I wanted to gain the skills necessary to conduct solid, evidence-based policy analysis, and there is nowhere better to do that than at the LSE. Attending the LSE gave me the opportunity to not only develop my skills, but also experience living abroad. I chose to do the MPA because I wanted a program that went farther than theory. The MPA provides hands-on opportunities to conduct meaningful analysis and experience working with real-world clients through the Capstone project.

Overall, how do you look back on your LSE experience?

Attending the LSE was the best decision I've ever made. I now have a meaningful and challenging career that I love, which was only available to me thanks to my training at the LSE. And my studies introduced me to some of the best friends I've ever known and opened me up to a rich world of international travel. My only regret is that my two years in London flew by so quickly!

Please describe your career path to date:

Prior to studying at the LSE, I worked in American politics. But the LSE gave me the opportunity to expand my skills, and now I get to do much more substantive work. In my current job at a DC-based nonprofit, I use the quantitative skills I learned at the LSE every day.

Why did you choose your current job?

My current job is the perfect marriage of conducting challenging, quantitative analysis, while also doing work that is meaningful to me. I work for a nonprofit law firm that fights for people whose rights have been violated, often when they have nowhere else to turn, and it is extremely satisfying to know that my work can be used to help real people.

Tell us about your current job:

My day-to-day job involves analyzing various data for reports that our organization publishes, as well as for quick stats that will be used in litigation and media documents. The analytic skills--particularly those using Stata--I developed at the LSE come in handy on a daily basis. Our organization is based in the Washington, DC area (Arlington, VA), so we are constantly using data to weigh in on important public

What advice do you have for LSE students who are looking to enter a similar profession to you?

I always tell people who ask me about the LSE that they should pursue as quantitative of a course as possible. Those hard skills that I learned at the LSE are the most important part of my job. The theoretical aspect to policy analysis is useful as well, but it's the quantitative skills that made me marketable to my current employer and will give prospective students the most opportunities after graduation.

School's reputation and focus on qualitative and theoretical research; one of the only places with a MSc in this particular field.

Overall, how do you look back on your LSE experience?

I liked the sociology department and felt that we were given a truly academic education - by the end we knew the important author's in our field, specialized in sub-fields, could have grounded academic discussion about a plethora of issues. The people in my programme made it great as well, since we made a lot of the work a group effort (preparing seminars together and revising for exams in larger groups).

Please describe your career path to date:

I started as an intern at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at the Africa department. It was fairly easy to get in, in part because of having LSE on my resume. I was offered a half-year contract before my internship was over, so stayed 10 months in total. It was interesting to see how a Ministry works, the connections with the EU and bilateral ties with other countries. There were some opportunities to develop a bit further, which I took part in. But in the end I'm not interested enough in international relations and I did not like the type of work, so I said I didn't want an extension of my contract.

I took quite some time to think of what I wanted to do next. I spoke with a lot of people from different field and applied to a couple of jobs. In the end I found SparkOptimus and it was immediately a good fit. I started there in November 2015 and have worked on about 10 projects since. We do digital strategy consulting, which means that we help companies adjust their business strategy to a world where consumers (and other companies in the case of B2B) are increasingly digital beings. I earned a promotion this summer, so things a going really well

Why did you choose your current job?

Mainly because of the very steep learning curve, team-work and projects, and being surrounded by ambitious colleagues that help each other grow. I also enjoy the entrepreneurial spirit, as everyone at the office helps the company grow and can leave their own mark on the company.

Tell us about your current job:

Day-to-day responsibilities are varied and differs per project, but consist of three main things: gathering data (very often client interviews at different levels in the company, reading their earlier reports, getting data from controllers, best practice examples in the market), conducting analyses (excel or more qualitative analyses), and writing this down for the client (usually powerpoint slides). Sometimes we also hold workshops for the client, coach them in new processes, or provide trainings. My work also increasingly entails managing (parts of) the projects.

To do this work you need to be excellent at applying structure in new situations, think abstractly and have some feel for numbers (you don't need to be great at excel before you start). You need to be ambitious and curious to learn new things, be good at personal interactions because we have a lot of client contact, and be a bit entrepreneurial.

The work environment is also varied. Depending on the project you're on it can be a bit more formal (but in our case almost never extremely formal) or more start-up like. We have more and more project abroad, so that also depends on the culture of the destination-country.

At our own office in Amsterdam it's very informal with no social hierarchy between people. The hierarchy is only in terms of content, and the people in higher positions are indeed extremely good at their jobs. We have a lot of social activities, drinks in the office every Friday, sports activities, and with some colleagues I've become such good friends that we've gone on holidays together.

What advice do you have for LSE students who are looking to enter a similar profession to you?

You need to be able to prove that your ambitious, not just in the academic sense. So extracurricular activities are a must - preferably where you've shown some leadership or entrepreneurial skills. Some affinity with IT and digital is also important.

Next to that, you should have some business sense. This is something that you can practice (I didn't know much about business before I started practicing for my interviews), e.g., reading the business section of the newspaper, thinking about what the business models of different companies could be like, etc.

And then of course it's important to practice for your interviews - practice a lot of business cases, but don't get too much stuck in frameworks.

LSE was the top candidate when I decided to deepen my studies on Human Rights. The HR Centre was crucial to my choice and it was well worth it. Being in London also contributed as I wanted to live in a city that could offer other approaches to the subject - in the case of HR, NGOs, othercolleges and think tanks.

Overall, how do you look back on your LSE experience?

It was tough and very demanding, but overall a wonderful experience. I would definitely go back to the LSE to pursue furtherstudies.

Please describe your career path to date:

Before LSE I pursued a diversified career, trying to seize the opportunities that were shown to me both in public and private sector. It was very important for my formation as a professional to understand how governments function from inside, for example.

Why did you choose your current job?

I was actually selected during the MsC in Human Rights at the LSE! It was a tough decision to drop the plans of engaging in PhD studies after the master's degree and come back to Brazil but I felt it was an opportunity I could not refuse. Sou da Paz Institute is one of the major NGOs dealing with Citizen Security and Human Rights in Brazil and it was an honour to be offered this job.

Tell us about your current job:

Contrary to what most people think about running a Human Rights NGO, as executive director I have several administrative tasks and duties that stray a bit off the usual Human Rights agenda, such as fundraising, financial reports, human resources, etc. Overall it takes lots of personal discipline and the capacity to see the organization as a whole to make it work. Being connected to what really matters at the end of the day is also fundamental - it is very easy to fall overwhelmed by day-to-day problems and loose sight of why you are doing what you do. After all, running a Citizen Security and Human Rights in Brazil (São Paulo) is definitely not an easy task.

What advice do you have for LSE students who are looking to enter a similar profession to you?

The LSE provides unique opportunities to their students who are willing to take them.  Participate in extra-curricular activities as much as you can but most of all, bond with your classmates, teachers and be part of the environment - enjoy the ride!

I chose both LSE and my course for the reputation of the department of Social Policy and the content of the SP course.

Overall, how do you look back on your LSE experience?

My time at LSE has given me the chance to learn from people from different backgrounds, and to always be constructively critical of the world around us (even while busy at work). It was an amazing opportunity to learn from the best minds in my field and others. I took the lessons (not just actual classes) from LSE with me and try to apply it in different aspects of my professional and personal life.

Please describe your career path to date:

I did an unpaid internship while at LSE with an international NGO based in London in my field. After leaving London, I spent 6 months trying to find a job in international development or humanitarian work in my field of expertise, which is protection of persons with disabilities. It was difficult to re-enter the field even though I had 3 years of field experience prior to LSE. For the past 2 years, I have worked for Handicap International supporting persons with disabilities in different humanitarian responses around the world. I’ve been to countries such as South Sudan, Jordan, Lebanon and lastly, Iraq. In South Sudan I supported persons with disabilities together with local organisations to promote inclusive education and inclusive health services. In Jordan and Lebanon, I worked with Syrian refugees with disabilities to ensure they have equal access to services. In Iraq, I focused on advocacy, supporting the whole Iraqi programme as well as other humanitarian NGOs on how to be inclusive of persons with disabilities.

Why did you choose your current job?

Persons with disabilities are one of the most vulnerable groups in the world, especially in situations of natural disasters and conflict. It is also an area with very few experts. I chose my work to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are met just as any other person in need of support.

Tell us about your current job:

I am currently Handicap International’s Advocacy Coordinator for Iraq, which means covering all their activities in the country - physical rehabilitation and psychological support for Iraq Internally Displaced People (IDPs), Mine Risk Education, Deming and Clearance of explosives, support to Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs) and Inclusion. In addition, my work involves advocating with other NGOs for protection of civilians, respect of humanitarian law and observance of human rights during an armed conflict. My work requires strategic thinking, excellent writing skills, good communication and diplomatic skills as well as pro-activiness and technical knowledge of our areas of intervention.

What advice do you have for LSE students who are looking to enter a similar profession to you?

Understand your skills, your strengths, your qualifications and how you can use them in this field of work. Knowing yourself and you what you want is the first step in any career planning. Talk to those who have experience in the area, get a better (and more tailored) idea of how your profile and aspirations fit the needs in the sector. Get a good view about positions available and in which one your skills match better. This is also helpful to design your CV and write cover letters.

Professionally speaking it is important to start with internships and not be to eager to move up to fast. Don’t worry about spending time doing volunteer work or internships - it’s actually better. In my almost 8 years of working in the field, I’ve seen many people making crucial mistakes because they lack experience for the job they are performing. Therefore, do not worry about moving fast - if you start at a HQ for instance, take your time to learn the basics and to learn from people who are in the field before going on missions. In your first mission, it is better to avoid the complex humanitarian responses, especially if this is your first time working in a developing country.

Lastly, to work in international development or humanitarian responses it is important to be culturally sensitive. You will always be surrounded by people from different countries and cultures and, therefore, tolerance and respect are key to enter and continue in this field. This goes beyond just being respectful of the culture of the country where you work, but also to your colleagues who come from all over the world. In humanitarian responses, it is very likely that you will spend most (if not all) of your time with your colleagues - you will work, live, and socialise with people from your organisation.

LSE is a worldwide known institution for studying economics - I knew it would open a lot of doors for me and give me a unique way of thinking so that I could make an impact in my career.

Overall, how do you look back on your LSE experience?

LSE isn't just a place to learn but more importantly to meet incredible people who will change your life, either as friends, professors, mentors or professional contacts. All the best people are gathered here!

Please describe your career path to date:

I joined the UK Civil Service Analytical Fast Stream as an economist, starting at the Department for Work and Pensions. I was then promoted to Economic Adviser within two years and am now working on the analysis of the UK labour market.

Why did you choose your current job?

For me, knowing that your job has an impact on the real world is one of the key drivers of job satisfaction, so I wanted to work either in government or NGOs. The Civil Service offers great opportunities for economists to stay close enough to pure economic theory, while applying their skills in the most real way possible.

Tell us about your current job:

My current job above all entails communicating complex concepts to audiences that have different backgrounds and perspectives. My team performs extensive modelling of the labour market at a macro and micro level and we work across government to ensure the impacts on the labour market are part of various EU exit considerations.

What advice do you have for LSE students who are looking to enter a similar profession to you?

If there's one thing LSE will teach you it's to always have an opinion and express it with impact. Make the most of it because this is crucial in any job, but is especially important when you're communicating with people who have a different background to you - for example as a civil service analyst communicating with a minister.

LSE is world's top and prestigious academy of higher learning. It is reputed for its authoritativeness in research in social science. Since I had nearly ten years of working experience in China's state-owned media outlet including three years as correspondent in Africa, I was expecting to pursue my further studies in LSE to gain a deep insight into communication and development studies.

Overall, how do you look back on your LSE experience?

It was an unforgettable and fruitful experience in LSE since the courses of my programme, which includes lectures, seminars and other extracurricular activities really broadened my mind and enabled me to develop critical thinking. Meanwhile, I have also acquired how to conduct a comparative analysis on international affairs instead of relying on lop-sided opinions. In addition, I was able to have the chance to get a close access to British and European culture and learnt how the UK made tremendous achievements through the Industrial Revolution.

Please describe your career path to date:

Now my position is project manager at China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, China's largest trade promotion agency. I need to match enterprises from China and other countries across the world. I think the global vision that I gained during my postgraduate studies in LSE has enabled me to communicate with people from different cultural backgrounds.

Why did you choose your current job?

My job is to promote Chinese business across the world and serve as a bridge for Chinese and foreign enterprises. The job suits me because it is done from global perspective.

Tell us about your current job:

· Assisting in organizing meetings for Chinese enterprises to conduct business match-making with foreign enterprises

· Establishing contacts with Chinese enterprises at business match-making meetings to make them as

CCPIT membership enterprises

· Establishing contacts with foreign embassies in China and foreign trade promotion agencies for

co-operation in jointly hosting business match-making meetings

· Content management for CCPIT official WeChat

· Managing CCPIT English website

· Participating in business match-making meetings and filing feature stories about China's foreign trade and investment policies and FDI in China

What advice do you have for LSE students who are looking to enter a similar profession to you?

You need to be proactive. You cannot wait to be called to have an interview. Once you find a good position from any media, you are advised to contact the employer actively and you are not advised to submit your CV and wait to be called. If you are not so proactive, you are likely to miss a number of good opportunities. I got the job at CCPIT by calling the agency, recommending myself and convincing the employer that I have the qualification for the position. Then I got the chance of interview and finally I obtained the permanent job offer.

It was not a very difficult decision when it came to choosing the university where I wanted to pursue my postgraduate program. Being a student of Economics, I was well aware of the global reputation that LSE enjoys, specifically with regard to the university’s ranking in the field of social science. Another reason for choosing LSE was the diverse range of programmes that it offers. I wanted to pursue a postgraduate program in population and development, and no other university in UK offers it.

Overall, how do you look back on your LSE experience?

Though it may sound clichéd, but studying at LSE was a life changing experience both in terms of academic learning as well as personal life. It was for the first time that I was living away from home and experiencing dorm life. Thanks to the multicultural environment of London and the special help provided for international students at LSE, my settling in phase became very smooth. Within a span of few days, I got very comfortable with the new routine. London offers one of the best public transportation system, which was a great help as apart from easing the daily commute from university to dorms, one is also able to explore a lot more that the city has to offer without any transportation problems.

Why did you choose your current job?

While working on my dissertation, I got in touch with the country director of an international organization named Population council of Pakistan who gave me an offer to join their prestigious organization. Hence, still being in London I was able to secure a job back home which I believe would not have been possible, if I did not have LSE on my CV. However, due to relocation problems I was not able to continue that job for long and started serving as a research associate in the research centre of the top Management University of Pakistan where I was basically working on various energy sector projects.

Tell us about your current job:

My main motivation to choose IDEAS was the high quality and the content of the research work being produced over here. While pursuing a post graduate degree in population and development at LSE, I became quite clear on one thing, i.e., human development plays a crucial role in the development and progress of any country. I am currently working on various education sector projects that provide me an opportunity to deeply analyse the operations of the relevant sector, where do the fallacies lie and what can be done to overcome them. Moreover, my current job provides me ample opportunities to gain field experience.

What advice do you have for LSE students who are looking to enter a similar profession to you?

Currently, I am working in Lahore based research organization called IDEAS - Institute of Development and Economic Alternatives. My key responsibilities include conducting research and literature reviews; collecting, analysing and assembling information from a wide variety of sources and to synthesize research material, to write policy briefs, notes, summary and abstracts as required. I believe one of the main skills required to undertake this job amongst many other includes the art of time management, a skill that I was able to acquire after spending a year in LSE and London where every time you are faced with the choice of either completing your reading list for the upcoming week or to attend a university social etc. Only efficient time management allows one to undertake maximum if not all the tasks.

The Schools global reputation. It was always my dream.

Overall, how do you look back on your LSE experience?

It was the best year of my life so far. LSE is a passport that opens all doors around the world.

Please describe your career path to date:

The moment I graduated I was offered a PhD from the National and Kapodiateian University of Athens. After not so long I applied to the biggest company in Greece, Opap SA where I got the job basically because of having a degree from LSE.

Why did you choose your current job?

Because of the economic crisis in Greece only few companies manage to survive and pay salaries in time. Opap is the most profitable company in my country and being here is a very safe solution for me for the time being.

Tell us about your current job:

As a PR specialist I promote the products of the company which is mainly a lottery and lucky games company. I also organise the CSR campaigns and charity events as well as other events that are sponsored by us (ex the annual Marathon race).

What advice do you have for LSE students who are looking to enter a similar profession to you?

After LSE chase your dreams. It is the best passport to lead you to your dream career.

Volunteering is mainly about giving something back to the community and helping others, but it's a great way to help yourself too. You can:

• Get an insight into an area of work you are interested in
• Demonstrate commitment to that area of work on your CV
• Network
• Gain practical experience to complement your learning at LSE
• Learn new skills - and put your existing ones to good use
• Meet new people, get to know your local community, and make new friends
• Have fun
• Change your life!

According to a survey by Student Volunteering UK, 40% of student volunteers are so deeply affected by their volunteering that their career paths take a new direction.

Volunteering can help you land a job in any sector too. Research by Reed employment amongst 200 leading businesses revealed that:

• 73% of employers would employ candidates with volunteering experience over those without
• 94% of employers think that volunteering can add skills
• 94% of employees who volunteered to learn new skills had benefited either by getting their first job, improving their salary, or being promoted

Whether you are a undergraduate or postgraduate, whether you have two hours to spare a week or are looking for something to do once in a while on a Sunday morning, volunteering could be for you.

Where can I find voluntary work?

• The LSE Volunteer Centre is the best place to start for information about finding an opportunity in the UK or overseas.
• LSE CareerHub is regularly updated with volunteering opportunities

Candidates are usually invited to an assessment centre after a successful initial interview and before final selection.  Assessment centres run over one or more days and consist of a series of tasks intended to give employers an insight into how you respond in a variety of situations.

Oral presentations

Presentations are a common feature of assessment centres and are used by employers to assess how well you can structure and communicate information. You may be asked to present a prepared presentation or, more often, you will be asked to produce a presentation on the day.

Presentations are generally quite short (5 - 15mins) and you may be asked to deliver it to an audience made up of your fellow candidates and the recruiters themselves.

You may be invited to use PowerPoint or similar presentation software and you must be prepared for questions.

When giving a presentation:

• Have a clear structure - begin by introducing yourself and giving an outline of your presentation, followed by 2 or 3 main headings and a clear conclusion
• Consider your audience – is your content at an appropriate level
• Use appropriate amounts of data to support your arguments and no more - limit the number of facts and figures you use
• Restrict yourself to no more than six key messages
• Aim for a conversational style, engage the audience with eye contact and body language
• Speak clearly at a reasonable pace (consider taping yourself as practice).
• Be clear and concise and do not cram too much onto your slides
• Use technology appropriately; don’t allow it to detract from your message (you are showcasing your communication skills rather than your IT skills)
• Do not go over the allocated time

Written exercises

Employers use written exercises to test your ability to logically process and analyse information, think clearly and take decisive action (examining how you justify this).

When completing a written exercise:

• Make sure you properly understand have captured the essence of the task before you write anything
• Use your allocated time efficiently: work swiftly, but don’t panic
• Provide a brief indication of the main points and the reasons for your thinking and decisions

Types of written exercise

• E-tray and in-tray exercises

Information can be found on our e-tray & in-tray exercise pages.

• Case studies

Information can be found on our case study pages.

• Drafting exercise

You will often be given a number of facts about a sensitive issue and asked to express them tactically, concisely and accurately. This could be in the form of a sensitive or difficult customer complaint or query. Employers are looking at your ability to choose the right facts and how you present them, demonstrate this by

• • Showing your knowledge of relevant business issues
  • Effectively arguing your case, using relevant facts
  • Emphasising the benefits of your chosen course of action, being firm but sensitive
  • Considering your readers, both the recipient of the letter and the employer testing you 

Group exercises

Designed to test your ability to work with other people effectively, within a group exericise you may be asked to complete a practical task or a discussion or role play.

The employer hopes to gain an insight in to how individual candidates operate in teams and are on the look out for evidence of the following:

• Clarity of thought and expression
• Ability to analyse information, ideas and identify key points
• Lateral thinking and creativity
• Communication skills (especially interpersonal skills)
• Focus, drive and motivation
• Leadership skills
• Enthusiasm
• Ability to focus on a task
• Listening to other ideas
• Good response to stress and pressre
• Commercial awareness
• Ability to inflience and persuade others

The important point for any group task or discussion is active participation. Active enough to be noticed and provide evidence of your skills but not so much as to dominate the group and be considered arrogant or boorish.

Practical tasks

Practical tasks often ask the group to make something using the provided materials (i.e. a bridge to hold a certain weight). Candidates will be assessed on how they interact and work with the rest of the group, not on the outcome of the task.

The exercise will usually be a business case scenario or a topical discussion issue and usually no prior specific business knowledge will be required. There will typically be about 5 to 8 other candidates in the group with you.

The assessors will be looking for your general ability to think around the problem, however, you may find you can bring in some prior academic, work or general knowledge you have that would be relevant.

You will typically get one of the following group exercise formats:

Leaderless discussion group

The discussion topic will be given to you and once the task has begun you will be left as a group to organise yourself as you want. The assessors will be looking at the sort of roles that you adopt and whether there are any leaders emerging and levels of participation.

Usually you will be given a short time (15 – 20 minutes) to look at a ‘case’ and jot down your initial observations – you may be asked to do this individually or in a group. You will then have approximately 30 minutes to discuss the issue in a team setting and come to a team decision regarding the way to move forward.

There may be a few assessors observing your discussion and marking you on the specific criteria that they are looking for in the exercise. You will be given a time limit and may have to reach a decision within the allotted time.

Remember that there is usually no single ‘right’ decision. Your communication, persuasion and influencing skills will be assessed in these tasks.

Designated group roles

You will be given a particular role to play – which may be a manager within the organisation. You may be asked to negotiate with the others and present a case for your area of responsibility or department. There may be more of a win/lose situation here – but it will still be the quality and structure of your argument that is important

Practical team exercises

These are tasks where you are asked to work as a team to complete a task such as building a raft, constructing a model or a bridge from Lego. These exercises are more action-orientated and may be used to assess leadership, creativity, energy and focus.

Advice

Carefully read instructions given to you, formulate a plan and decide on the group's priorities

• Ensure the group keeps on task and to time
• Be assertive to get your views across but not overbearing, be diplomatic
• Assessors are interested in the quality of your ideas, not the quantity
• Actively listen by making eye contact, nodding or reiterating other group member's ideas
• Use your body language to provide evidence of being engaged and interested
• Respond constructively to your fellow candidates’ ideas
• Be inclusive – all members of the group should have their chance to input, show you recognise this by actively listening to the louder members and then directly asking the quieter members for their input
• Make sure that you know the competencies that the employers are looking for; how do these relate to the group exercise?
• Read the brief carefully make sure that you understand the tasks and have a rough outline of how you want to move forward.
• Keep up to date with current affairs – this will help you if you are given a more general issue to discuss
• Try not to get diverted into a side issue; keep reminding yourself of the main focus of the discussion

Useful links

• Prospects - Interview tests and exercises: group activities
• Target Jobs - Group exercises: what to expect

What is an e-tray/in-tray exercise?

E-tray/In-tray exercises are essentially the same thing, the only difference being that one is computer-based while the other is paper-based. Simulating a real work situation, you will be given background information on the company, your role within it and a scenario where you are faced with an e-tray/in-tray full of memos, emails, telephone messages, reports and letters. The task is usually representative of the work associated with the job you are applying for.

They are usually given to an individual at an assessment centre, however they can be given at any stage and are sometimes given as a group exercise.

What scenario might I be set?

The scenario tends to involve a situation where you are returning from holiday to a full intray or where you are looking after someone else's intray whilst they are absent.

What task could I face?

A computer or folder containing the information will be presented to you. Carefully read or listen to the instructions given to you. Using the information provided you will need to decide what action to take on these and complete the tasks within a set time. Tasks usually include:

• Prioritising work
• Taking decisions on what needs to be done, by whom, when and why
• Delegating work to junior employees or to a colleague whose role is more suited to the task
• Analysing information such as budgets, sales figures, research results
• Briefing and/or recommending actions to superiors
• Drafting replies
• Making phone calls

What skills is the employer testing me for?

They will be assessing your ability to:

• Absorb the information in your etray/intray quickly and accurately
• Prioritise this information and any arising actions
• Plan and make decisions within a time constraint
• Time manage
• Be analytical, quantitatively and qualitatively
• Communicate effectively in writing
• Apply your commercial awareness

Advice

• Read the instructions and briefing materials carefully
• Pay attention to verbal instructions
• Read through the materials provided (for a 90 minute task, spend no more than 15 minutes on this)
  • Gain a sense of how much there is to do and its importance
  • Identify if there is any connected information or clash of appointments
• Prioritise – plan how you will spend your time
  • Get action on the most urgent  tasks
  • Secondly work on urgent non-trivial tasks
  • Finally tackle the trivial tasks
• Decide the importance by using these indicators:
  • Who is it from?
  • What date was it written?
  • Does it refer to deadlines?
  • Is it marked confidential?
  • To action it, is there something else to do first?
  • Who should deal with it?
  • It's impact on the company (is it a complaint?)
• If a deadline has passed you may ignore it or, depending on it's importance, you may need to reply with an apology or asking for an extension 
• Don't expect to remember all the fine detail but show in your decisions and actions that you have grasped the essentials and spotted important connections
• Don’t make wild assumptions, use the information that has been provided
• If you have time remaining, check through what you have done
• There is no one right answer, the important thing is to provide logical and clearly explain the reasons for your decisions
• There are no prizes for finishing first, but you are likely to lose points if you do not complete all the tasks within the time allowed.

Interviewers can ask many different types of questions. Below is a selection of some of these, with advice for answering them effectively.

Competency questions

The most common type of questions asked at interview, competency questions often come in the form of ‘tell me about a time you…’ or ‘give me an example of…’. They are designed to assess if you have the skills and experience expected from the ideal candidate.

In preparation for these questions, read through the job description and person specification to identify the required skills for the role. Consider your experience and decide on specific examples which demonstrate your use of these skills. Some students think of one example per required skill; however, our advice would be to have a suite of flexible examples at your disposal, which can be used and easily altered during the interview to demonstrate skills you may not have prepared for.

When giving your specific example in reply to a competency question, a popular format is the STAR technique:

• Situation – what was the situation you faced? Set the scene (makes up 10% of your answer).
• Task – what was the objective of the situation or task? (makes up 10% of your answer).
• Actions – how did YOU go about tackling the situation and what was YOUR role in this. Tell the employer the step-by-step actions you took in relation to the skill you are trying to prove you have (makes up 70% of your answer).
• Result – what was the outcome and were your objectives met? (makes up 10% of your answer).

Motivation questions

Another common set of interview questions, motivation questions assess how genuine and motivated you are. Typically they come in the form of ‘why are you interested in the role / company / sector?’. They may also question you career motivations, your greatest achievements and how you drive yourself in the face of obstacles, to name but a few.

In preparation for these questions you should use your research into the company, the role and the sector to show your commercial awareness; for example, if asked why you would like to work for the company, relate your understanding of what the company does, who their clients are, their market share, their values etc., to your motivations to work for the employer articulating this concisely.

When answering these questions it is useful to number your reasons. A good rule of thumb is to have three reasons prepared, and to go through these in turn stating “My first reason is… My second reason is… And finally…”. This ensures you say all you wanted to say, without speaking for too long, whilst helping the employer follow your thought process.

Strengths-based questions

An increasingly used question type, strengths-based interviewers are trained to read your body language and interpret the way you say things in order to assess what you genuinely enjoy. The difference between strengths-based and competency-based interviews is that strengths interviews rarely require specific examples, as the interviewer is looking for how you say things as well as what you say. For example, showing energy and enthusiasm, using animated hand movements and facial expressions will demonstrate a genuine interest in what you are talking about, whereas a monotone answer, with little body or facial movements could indicate disinterest. They do not allow for rote answers, as in competency questions. On the day you may face around 40 questions at pace, which are repetitive to assess for consistency in your energy through what you say.

In preparation for these questions, consider from the job description, person specification and the employer’s website what strengths they might be looking for, to guess the subjects you might be discussing at interview. If you are not sure of your own strengths, you can assess them at GraduatesFirst. You should also become familiar with the format of the questions. They will often ask questions which require a yes/no answer, sometimes some discussion or opinion and occasionally an example. Questions include:

• Do you prefer starting or finishing?
• Are you a leader?
• Do you think it’s important that others think your work is of a high quality?
• Do obstacles distract you from working towards a goal?
• What type of people do you hate working with?

There is no set format for answering these questions, but our advice is to make sure you answer the question before discussing your thoughts. Your answer should be well constructed and logical too. On occasion it may be appropriate to give an example, but this should not be as structured as a competency answer and preparing structured examples should not make up the majority of your preparation time.

Case interviews

Visit our case interviews careers information to find out about this type of assessment.

Technical interviews

Used when there is a technical element to the job applied to, the employer will ask you questions to assess your level of knowledge either for the work you will be doing, or to assess your level of knowledge from a course you have done or are doing. These are often found in investment banking, law, science or engineering roles. Technical questions also allow you to demonstrate your problem solving, logic and communication skills. Questions faced by students include:

• How would you calculate a company's free cash flow?
• If interest rates rise, what happens to bond prices?
• What is your prediction of the changes in the German yield curve over the next 6 months?
• How do you calculate VaR (Value at Risk)?
• Explain the facts, legal principles and outcomes of any set of paper or any court work that you have seen whilst on mini-pupillage.
• What are your views on the implementation and content of the new anti-terrorism laws?

Prior to the interview you would be advised to research into any technical areas you will expect in the job or you have covered in your course, but please remember that you will not become an expert overnight! There is only so much you can learn and understand in a short period of time, and questions can vary hugely. If you are being interviewed for a graduate role, or are applying for a role detached from your degree subject, the employers will only expect you to know so much, so seriously consider how much time you can afford to devote to this element of preparation.

Technical questions will allow for a fairly formal conversation based on the employer’s initial question. Therefore, there is no set format to follow. Try to demonstrate your knowledge, allowing the employer to input and ask follow up questions where necessary.

Situational judgement

These questions allow the employer to assess how you would react in a given work-based scenario. You will be given the scenario and either asked to choose from a few options which you would choose (often ranking these options from best to worst choice) or to generate your own response. They allow you to demonstrate problem solving, logic, decision making and interpersonal skills. Sometimes this might be done as part of a small team. Often these are written tests, but you can face scenario question as part of an interview.

To prepare for these questions, practice answering some in your spare time. There are some situational judgement questions on the LSE Careers subscription of GraduatesFirst. When answering these questions do not make assumptions. Logically discuss the pros and cons of each option with your interviewer so they can understand and follow your thought process. And make sure you clearly express which you consider to be the best and worst options.

Brain teasers

When being interviewed for a technical or numeric job you might be asked brain teaser questions which are designed to assess your mental arithmetic, logic skills and ability to stay calm under pressure. The employer may ask you arithmetic of varying difficulties, estimation questions or present abstract ideas. In the case of arithmetic they seek correct answers gained at speed, or through clear dialogue. They are not necessarily looking for a correct answer for estimation or abstract questions, but will be interested in how you approach and solve the question set.

Examples faced by LSE students include:

• Several brain teasers in quick succession, such as 18x19 and, which is larger, 2⁶, 3⁴ or 4³
• What is the ratio between the width and height of A4 paper? Given that it's the same ratio no matter how many times you fold it in half
• Joe has a water pump to fill his pool in two hours, and his neighbour Jim has one which fills it in three hours. If they were to use both pumps together, how long would it take them to fill one pool?

To prepare for these questions, you are advised to practice your mental arithmetic, including times tables, addition, subtraction, ratios and percentages. You’d also be advised to practice brainteasers, considering how you can logically articulate your thought process to answer their question. The employers want to see how you arrived at the answer, and will assess your success through yo

This selection of job search sites covers academic positions in the UK and internationally. If you know of any sites that are not listed here, please contact LSE Careers and ask for them to be added.

Academic job search in UK

Includes teaching, research, post-doc and academic-related positions

• Global academic careers guide
• Guardian Jobs

  Well known jobs website - searchable by sector. Media, marketing and PR jobs published in The Guardian on Monday and Saturday. UK-based job site with a wide range of vacancies

• Jobs.ac.uk

  Academic jobs website which also advertises scholarships. Leading UK site for academic and academic-related jobs; includes some overseas jobs. Advertises specifically jobs in science, research, academic and administrative employment.

• LSE - Academic careers

  Information about academic careers at LSE

• Overseas Development Institute (ODI) jobs

  Jobs with Britains leading independent think-tank on international development and humanitarian policy

• Research Professional

  This online newspaper for the international research world has UK and international jobs

• Times Higher Education

  Economist jobs (research and lecturing) in academia, covering the UK and beyond.

• Times Higher Education (THE) - job search

  An excellent site for academic and academic-related jobs

Academic job search outside the UK

Includes teaching, research, post-doc and academic-related positions

• Academic Careers Online

  International academic job site

• Academic Employment Network

  Academic and non-academic jobs in the USA across all levels of education

• Academic Jobs EU

  Allows you to search for academic and research jobs across Europe

• Academic360

  A meta-collection of web-based resources that have been gathered for the academic job hunter. It includes links to faculty, staff, and administrative announcements and is not restricted to teaching positions.

• Academic, research and science jobs - Academic Positions

  International career network for academics, researchers and scientists.

• academics.com

  English language academic job site for Germany, Austria and Switzerland

• AcademicTransfer

  Dutch job board for masters, PhD students, scientists and academic researchers

• Adjunctnation

  Comprehensive site for temporary part time and full time faculty positions in the US

• All-Acad.com

  Search thousands of positions and grants in science, research and industry at worldwide leading universities, colleges, schools, research institutions and companies.

• Career edu

  Search for academic, research and academic support jobs in higher education around the world

• Career.edu

  Search for academic, research and academic support jobs in higher education around the world

• Chronicle - job search

  Search for faculty and research jobs, administrative positions and other jobs in academia

• EURAXESS - European Commission

  This is a one-stop shop listing for research jobs and funding in Europe

• European Commission Joint Research Centre

  Portal which lists job opportunities in research for the EC

• European University Institute (EUI) job search

  This is the international job search portal for the EUI

• European University Institute job sites

  This European University Institute web page gives a list of European academic job sites.

• HigherEdJobs.com

  This site has mostly US academic jobs, with some international non-UK opportunities

• Overseas Development Institute (ODI) Fellowship Scheme

  Open to postgraduate economists to work for 2 years in the public sector of countries in Africa, the Caribbean or the Pacific

• Research Professional

  This online newspaper for the international research world has UK and international jobs

• The Association of Commonwealth Universities

  View available courses across 5 continents. Also read publications and find out about awards and scholarships. The oldest and one of the largest inter-university networks in the world. Lists vacancies, funding opportunities and news

• UniJobs.com.au

  This is the main search engine for academic jobs in Australia

Academic job search in specific disciplines

Includes teaching, research, and post-doc positions

• H-Net Job Guide

  Academic job posting for the Humanities and Social Sciences with a focus on History. Mainly North America but includes opportunities in other locations too

• Institute of Historical Research

  Includes information on academic jobs, research positions and post docs

• Job Openings for Economists (JOE)

  Job listing from the American Economic Association (AEA)

• Overseas Development Institute (ODI) Fellowship Scheme

  Open to postgraduate economists to work for 2 years in the public sector of countries in Africa, the Caribbean or the Pacific

• Scholarly Societies Project

  Can search for societies in Arts & Humanities, Social Sciences, Business, Maths and Economics across the world. Many have job search facilities

• Social Science Research Network (SSRN)

  Seeks to facilitate the dissemination of social science research and is composed of a number of specialised research networks in each of the social sciences. There is also a job vacancy section for social scientists (US and abroad)

General sites for researchers

• Vitae
  Incorporates UKGrad and is a site of information and support for researchers, supervisors, researcher managers and employers

Once you have decided to embark on postgraduate study, research into the course which is right for you.

Where to study

Choosing to stay where you have done your undergraduate degree can be a positive choice:

• you will be well placed to make an informed decision about the quality and the relevance of the programmes on offer
• you know the faculty and administrators and how things work
• you have experience of what the associated living costs will be
• you may be able to keep your current accommodation
• there may be finance (or paid work) available

However, you should definitely research other options to make sure you make an informed choice. Criteria to consider include:

• the availability of the type of course you want to do
• what are the entry requirements; is financing available
• what is the reputation of the institution, department and course
• are there suitable and willing supervisors available?
• will you have the opportunity to teach
• what is the research standing of the department
• what are the support services like, e.g. library, IT and careers
• what are your views of the location and wider environment

Where to seek advice

• Careers consultants – make a careers discussion appointment at LSE Careers
• Your supervisor or director of studies
• Personal tutor
• Admissions or course tutor
• Students on the course you are interested in
• People in the job you would like to do

Applications

Once you have decided where you want to apply, you need to ensure that you are fully informed about:

• course and funding application deadlines
• any documentation that will be required in support of your application, e.g.  undergraduate transcripts, personal statement and/or research proposal and letters of recommendation
• the entry requirements, including academic grades, GRE or GMAT test scores and language test scores

If you are applying in the UK then you will need to start your research no later than the start of the academic year before you plan to commence your postgraduate studies.

If you are applying outside the UK then you need to do this 18 - 24 months in advance.

Read the phrasing carefully

Different institutions will phrase what they want to see in their personal statement differently, some examples (as of September 2013) and how you could break the wording down to ensure you address everything are below:

Example of application guidance from LSE:

You must submit a personal statement with your application form. This should be between 1,000 and 1,500 words. It should describe your academic interests and your purpose and objectives in undertaking graduate study. 

Suggestions of what to include for this phrasing:

• Your academic interests – This part of your answer should show your understanding of what the course entails and can include subject specific language.
  • Outline what are your academic interests specifically
  • How they are related to the course.
  • How do you see the course furthering these interests?
  • Do you have previous experience of studying these areas?
  • Was your undergraduate dissertation, major project or a group presentation relevant to the course or your academic interests?
  •  Have you attended conferences, seminars or networking events outside your studies to increase your knowledge?
  • What have you learnt recently,
  • and how does this link to the course you are applying for?
  • Perhaps you can link your academic interests to work experience you have gained?
• Purpose in undertaking graduate study – Why are you applying for postgraduate study? This could be linked to discussing your academic interests, or perhaps you have a career orientated goal.
• Objectives in undertaking graduate study – What do you hope to achieve by the end of your postgraduate study, whether educationally or professionally? If you have professional objectives, how will this course help you move towards your career goal?
• What else? – you could also include some of the suggestions in the guidelines below, but make sure you address everything in their description.

Example of application guidance from SOAS:

Your personal statement should be no more than 1,000 words. It should include the reasons why you are interested in the programme, highlight your relevant experience and suitability for the programme as well as future plans. 

Suggestions of what to include for this phrasing:

• Why you are interested in the programme – Look at the course content carefully to decide what it is that most interests you in the programme content-wise. Discuss any relevant research or coursework you might have done in the past, and include technical language or language that shows you have a grasp of the topic.
• Relevant experience – think back to your work experience, extracurricular activities and voluntary experiences and reflect upon relevant projects you might have worked on, tasks you were set or research you conducted that demonstrates relevance to the course. You might not feel you have this experience yet, but perhaps you have worked in a relevant sector and you could show your technical and commercial understanding.
• Suitability for the programme – Think about the skills you might need to succeed in this programme. What is your experience that makes you suitable for the programme? Perhaps you will reflect on study or research skills that you have gained, or maybe you’ll need strong negotiation, communication or presentation skills which you gained through mooting or as a student representative? If you can show you were engaged with your undergraduate university’s community then this might be a good place to mention what you did.
• Future plans – What are your career aspirations and how do you see the course furthering these?

Writing a personal statement

If they do not specify what to include in your personal statement, areas you might want to include are below. There is no set order of when to mention what but starting your personal statement with your most relevant point is advised.

Motivations

• Why are you applying for the programme?
• What do you hope to gain from the programme?
• What is it that interests you about the subject? Can this be related to your previous education or work experience (see below)?
• What are your career aspirations and how will this course help you achieve them?

Educational experience and commercial knowledge

• Do you have past education that gives you the knowledge base you need for the course?
• Is your undergraduate dissertation relevant? Tell the tutor about it and the research methods you used (especially if applying for a research masters).
• Perhaps you like to keep up with current news in the sector you hope to go into. You could mention a topical issue and discuss how you see the course furthering your understanding.

Work experience

• Have you gained work experience in a field relevant to the course or relevant to your career ambitions? Can you link this experience to your motivation to wanting to continue studying in this field?
• Tell the tutor about this experience and reflect on how this could help with the course or use it as an example of your motivation for continued study in a related area.
• If you are a mature student returning to study, why are you returning? Are you looking to make a career change? Why, and how, do you expect the course will support your new ambition?

Other experience

• Include your extracurricular and voluntary experience too. Tutors want rounded people on their course; show that you engaged in university life during your undergraduate course or that you gained some relevant skills or experiences through volunteering.

Anything else

• You can outline your main achievements, awards or successes in competitions. Think about the course you are applying for and if there is anything they might be particularly impressed by.
• Mention relevant summer schools, overseas study or conferences/ short courses you might have attended that are related to the course.

Other circumstances

• Deferred entry – if you would like to start the course the following year explain to the course tutor what you will be doing with the next year.

Final checks

• Spelling and grammar – this will give the course tutor an idea as to your writing skills, so ensure there are no mistakes.
• Abbreviations and acronyms – explain any you have used.
• Content structure – ensure the paragraphs make sense and that the document flows well. Don’t repeat yourself by revisiting an experience or educational point.
• Don’t write a narrative of your life, from leaving school to current day.
• Be positive; don’t use negative language i.e. Although I have little experience of…
• Adhere to the word count (where applicable) or if there isn’t one, keep your statement to two to three pages of A4.

If you are already a student at LSE and would like LSE Careers to check your personal statement before you submit it please make an appointment for a careers discussion on CareerHub. It is also advised that if your application is fairly technically subject specific that you get an academic to check the content for accuracy.

Deciding to study abroad is an important decision which should not be taken lightly:

Pros and cons

• Gain a competitive edge by learning about other cultures
• Improve your language skills by studying in a non-English speaking setting
• Gain transferable skills, useful for your CV
• Although fees can be lower than in the UK, the cost of travelling between home and another country and living costs soon add up
• Attend world renowned institutions, giving you the opportunity to study at a university well known for their subject specialism

Consider

• Why you are choosing to study abroad? Is the qualification needed for the role you want to go into or will it help your employment opportunities otherwise?
• Which country you want to study in – can you speak the language or are their taught courses in English (increasingly available in Europe)?
• Which institution you would like to attend – check they are accredited and see their world ranking on top universities.
• What subject you want to study and why?
• How you will finance yourself and your course

Course research

• Speak to careers advisers, your tutors, peers and family members about your decision to study abroad. They may have suggestions for you.
• Check the website of the institution you are considering applying for, they may have information for international students or may put you in contact with current international students who can share their experiences with you. Remember to ensure there are good facilities and services for postgraduate, international students.
• Do your own research into institutions, courses and your current qualifications equivalence by using the internet, books and publications. See the useful links (below) for a collection of online resources.
• Some international institutions require you to complete the GRE or GMAT tests. Research this by visiting the course website or by emailing or speaking with the course lecturers or administrators.

Applying

Application processes and deadline dates vary from country to country and institution to institution. Ensure you are clear as to when you must apply by. As a guide:

• 18 – 24 months prior to the course start – research into and visit institutions, check LSE notice boards for study abroad opportunities, check your eligibility and degree equivalence and plan how you will finance your studies.
• 12 – 18 months prior to the course start - speak to academics in your department to get their advice, arrange suitable referees, check the facilities in your chosen institution and apply for pre-entry tests if required.
• Last year – research application deadlines, ensure enough time to collect references and transcripts and to do tests. Arrange funding, visa, health insurance, travel and accommodation.

Costs and funding

Research the cost of higher education in the country you want to study in. EU students should not expect to pay higher fees than other students within that EU country. If you are considering studying in the US, be aware that fees, applications and pre-entry exams can be expensive.

Also account for the cost of living and accommodation, cost of travel inside and to and from the country, visa applications, health insurance and books and resources.

Scholarships, grants, studentships, awards and fellowships are often available for international students. Links to funding information can be found on Diigo (search using tags PostgraduateStudy, Funding and either EU, US or International).

What is a Statement of Purpose?

The objective of a well researched and written Statement of Purpose (SoP) or Personal Statement is to tell the admissions committee who you are, how you think and what you can do. 

Specifically, they expect to see the following:

• What areas of study/research you are interested in and why
• How well defined your interests are
• If these interests based on experience (academic or work) that the school may find useful
• How you want your career to develop after your studies, e.g. go on and do a PhD, develop a career in academia, research, development, the public sector, consultancy etc
• How your interests and goals match with the programme you are applying for.
• How you think graduate school will help you achieve your career goals
• Experiences you had that will help you make the most of the programme and achieve your goals
• If you are also applying for a Graduate Assistantship (administrative, teaching or research) you should provide evidence of your ability to perform this role

Preparing to write a Statement of Purpose

• Get to know the university and graduate school, department and programme you are applying for.
• Do not limit your research to the institutions' web pages; research the academics involved in your target programme.
• Don't be afraid to get in touch with administrators and academics if you have questions you want to ask. It is expected that applicants make contact in this way in the USA.

Review what you want to communicate about yourself and the connections you want to make with the programme you are applying for.

• Prepare your CV and make notes of the relevant knowledge and skills your academic, work and extracurricular experiences have enabled you to develop, e.g. has working part-time whilst studying helped you learn how to manage a heavy workload and multiple priorities?
• Evidence your interest in your subject, e.g. are there any relevant books, electives or conferences you have accessed beyond your required work which show your interest
• Evidence of your ability to learn at graduate level, e.g. work you have undertaken independently, research work you have done
• Explain any inconsistencies
• Applying for an Assistantship?  You will need to evidence your ability to do this role

Writing your Statement of Purpose

The SoP should be written in essay form. It should have:

• A clear structure with sentences and paragraphs that flow
• An introduction, middle and conclusion
• A consistent and positive tone, which communicates your individuality without being too personal

Advice for writing:

• Don't worry about the length, you can edit it later
• Don't repeat information which is available elsewhere in your application unless it is very relevant or needs further explanation
• Avoid using jargon and abbreviations
• You should not include activities prior to the start of your undergraduate degree unless these are particularly relevant
• Check spelling and grammar and for errors, do not rely on spellcheck
• Get feedback from friends or class tutors
• Sit down and go over it again bearing in mind the feedback you have received
• Show it to the people writing your letters of recommendation to get their comments and to inform them of what you have said

Project and team management

• Slack
  Free searchable team-based communications website, allowing you to share messages, files, screenshots with your team.
• Trello
  Free card based project management website, allowing you to share and track workflow, post messages, create lists, share images and files, and track deadlines.
• Breeze
  $29/month for up to 5 users, card based project management tool similar to Trello. Let’s you track budget for projects and produce reports.
• Wrike
  Free (for up to 5 users/2 MB space) detailed online project management for managing people and projects, includes gannt charts and integration with Outlook and other tools.
• Basecamp
  $20/month for 10 projects/3GB space, probably the #1 project management tool used in the industry, fully featured.
• GoogleDocs
  For sharing/collaborating on documents.
• Workflowy
  Simple and useful project management and ‘to-do list’ tool.

Marketing and analytics

• Google Adwords and Adsense
• Google Analytics
  Free and detailed stats on users of your website.
• Flurry
  An analytics tool for mobile apps.

Design and prototyping

• Balsamiq
  Website wireframing/prototyping – very useful for usability testing. $79 for a single licence.
• Proto
  Mobile phone prototyping tool. $24/month paid annually for a single user with up to 5 projects.
• Designers Toolbox – design resources
  Web browser elements, HTML special characters, templates and iPhone GUI elements.
• The Noun Project
  An icon library, useful for creating mobile apps or website buttons, with various pricing options.

Programming and development

• There are many tools out there which will help you build and manage a website, such as WIX or Wordpress.
• There are several sites which live generate the output of HTML, CSS and Javascript. They are very useful for teaching yourself to make websites and code in these languages. Three popular examples are jsFiddle, JSBin and Codepen.
• Consider using frameworks for CSS or Javascript libraries.
• Use a bug tracker tool, such as BugZilla.
• Social Source Commons
  A huge range of tools for web and mobile app development, as well as business software. You could, for example, find an online billing system that you can use for your app, rather than creating one from scratch.
• ProgrammableWeb
  An API directory to find third party tools and apps that work with your project.
• Github
  Collaboration, code review and code management for software projects. Lots of developers use Github as an online portfolio so you can also check out people’s profiles to help you assess how good they might be as partners in your project. Unlimited free public projects.
• Bitbucket
  Collaboration, code review and code management for software projects. Unlimited free private projects.

International organisations (such as the UN agencies and the international development banks) were established and are run by groups of countries in order to pool their financial, technical and human resources to address common regional or global problems. 

Each organisation has a designated sphere of responsibilities, e.g., health, food security, refugee welfare, post-conflict reconstruction, institution building, international trade or the international monetary system.

A significant amount of financial aid, technical skills and policy advice to the developing world passes through this multilateral channel, rather than going directly from a donor country to a developing country (as is the case with bilateral aid).

The member countries typically provide financial support to an international organisation in proportion to the country’s economic size and importance. For example, the USA provides around 16.5% of the World Bank’s financial resources, Spain 1.75%, and a small Pacific island state like Tuvalu gives one hundredth of one percent.

The organisation’s staff is drawn from, and normally restricted to, member country nationals (but, in the case of regional development banks, remember that donor countries are also members even though not from the region).

There is usually an effort made to maintain some kind of balance between a member country’s financial stake in the organisation and its share of the staff. Some organisations go as far as to operate a nationality quota system whereby only nationals from under-represented countries can apply (e.g., for the UN National Competitive Recruitment Exams).

The majority of the staff of an international organisation works at its headquarters (e.g., in New York, Washington, Geneva, Vienna, Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Bangkok, Santiago etc.). That is where their new international staff (as opposed to contractual or local employees) often start, although later in their career they may spend some time in a small regional office. However, it is normal for staff to travel – sometimes frequently – to other, particularly developing, countries in order to carry out their responsibilities.

The European Union has 27 member states and comprises the following Brussels, Luxembourg and Strasbourg based institutions:

• The European Commission (EC) - the policy making body of the EU. The EC initiates policy, drafts and enforces legislation, proposes and implements work programmes.
• The Council of the European Union - The main decision making body; consists of the governments of all member states; decides on the legislation proposed by the Commission.
• European Parliament - Directly elected body with members representing the citizens of the EU; acts with Council as budgetary authority; key role in legislation.
• European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) - A consultative body set up to advise the 3 major institutions (European Parliament, Council of the EU and the EC)
• Committee of the Regions (COR) - The political assembly that represents local and regional authorities within the European Union.
• Court of Justice - Responsible for the interpretation of European law; deals with dispute.
• Court of Auditors - Supervises the EU budget.
• Council of Europe - Promotes democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in Europe.
• European Court of Human Rights - Ensures that each State observes the obligations under the European Convention of Human Rights
• European Ombudsman - The European Ombudsman investigates complaints regarding maladministration in the institutions and bodies

There are several structured internship schemes - most based in Brussels and Luxembourg. These are called "traineeships" or "stages".  The majority of these are salaried - at about €1200 a month tax free but some are unpaid.

Applying

Stages typically last between three and five months; starting dates and deadlines vary by institution but at least one stage per year tends to start in the autumn. Most opportunities are open to both EU and non-EU graduates.

Please note that searching online for European internships brings up links to third-party organisations that offer placements to successful candidates for a fee. Although these organisations may be legitimate, the quality of the "internship" may not be the same, and it is of course cheaper to apply directly!

Where to intern

• European Central Bank
• European Commission - see below for more details.
• European Economic and Social Committee
• European Parliament
• European Council
• Court of Justice
• Court of Auditors
• European Ombudsman
• European Network and Information Security Agency

In addition, the Eurobrussels websites lists a large number of current internships at European NGOs and other intergovernmental organisations, with deadline dates.

If you are interested in interning as an assistant for a Member of the European Parliament, the best way might be to make a speculative application. Listings of current MEPs - by country and by political group - is available at the European Parliament website.

What will I do?

Internships are offered in a wide range of operations, including administration, economics, human resources, translation, audit and IT.  For an overview of opportunities at these institutions, please see the European Personnel Selection Office.

LSE European internships fair

In each Lent term LSE Careers runs a European internship fair jointly with Sciences Po, where many more inter-governmental and Brussels based NGOs advertise for interns.

European Commission (EC) Traineeship

The EC traineeship offers a unique first-hand experience of the workings of the EC.  There are 2 intakes per year in March and October, where 650 traineeships are available in each.  The contract is fixed for 5 months and trainees are paid approximately 1000 Euro per month plus private health insurance.  For information on applications, vacancies and deadlines see:

• European Commission Traineeships Office

The European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) look after the application and selection process for all the EU Institutions. Institutions recruit graduates as administrators with between 0 and 3 years work experience. There are 3 stages to the recruitment process:

1. Preselection test (multiple choice test about your specialised field, verbal reasoning and knowledge of the EU)
2. Written examinations
3. Oral examinations

Successful candidates are placed on a reserve list and are appointed as vacancies arise.  Competition to get a job working within an EU Institution is very high so, it is important that students undertake a stage/internship with an Institution first.

Requirements

• Ongoing persistence, determination, and a focus on a career in the EU.
• Ability to operate within bureaucracy.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
• Awareness of European current affairs, issues and developments.
• Resilience, self motivation and language competency.

Preparation

• Prepare for competitions early; you will find practice tests at European Careers Sample Tests. 
• Think long-term: what internships can prepare you for this? What courses or student societies? How can you improve your language skills? What policy area do you want to work in?
• Once you are on the waiting list, network and lobby yourself.

Careers outside the EU Institutions

If you are looking for a job outside of the EU institutions then Euro Brussels provides information, vacancies and careers advice on other EU organisations. 

Other EU organisations

European governments, Chambers of Commerce, Political consultancies, Corporations, Trade and professional associations, Interest groups, Labour unions, Law firms, Media, Political parties,  MEPs offices

Top tips for getting a job in other EU organisations

• Make sure you apply for jobs that are not advertised.
• Be proactive.
• Network.
• Try to volunteer or do an internship within the organisation first. 
• Expand your knowledge on European proceedings.
• Join to European Society at the LSE.
• Get work experience, preferably in Brussels or in a policy/politics related field in your home country.

What think tanks do depends on their size and funding, but principally their aim is to publish and influence public policy debate. 

Most think tanks are non-profit organisations and may be based in the charity sector. Others are funded by particular advocacy groups, the voluntary sector, government, businesses, generate revenue from consulting or research or combination thereof. Although these policy institutes may have political bias they are usually independent of political parties and government.

Think tanks conduct research into a range of issue oriented topics as well as broader business, political and economic areas including different aspects of social policy, political strategy and reform, the environment, security and the military, technology and economics using a variety of social science research methods.

Think tanks are no longer a North American and Western European phenomena and indeed the past 10 years has witnessed the impact of globalization on the think tank movement.

This is most evident in regions such as Africa, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and parts of Southeast Asia. Here there has been a concerted effort by the international community to support the creation of independent public policy research organizations resulting in collaboration across geographical regions.

The think tank sector employs relatively few people. The smallest institute may have a core staff of 3 or 4 and employ extra staff when needed. The largest employ around 50.

Useful links

• National Institute for Research Advancement - think tanks and Policy research resources.  This site contains links to research institutes in more than 50 countries. Search for job vacancies, fellowships and special events sponsored by the organisations. 
• Policy Library - Social, economic and foreign policy resource - updated daily with the latest jobs, research and events in the UK, US, Australia and New Zealand.
• Sourcewatch - encyclopedia entry on Think Tanks - includes excellent list of American, UK, European and Australian think tanks and public affairs organisations and publications.   
• Foreign Policy - comprehensive index of international think tanks, including top 10s, and political standing.   

We know that being a student at LSE can often mean that you don't have lots of spare time. We also know that many students are looking for flexible volunteering opportunities that can make a real difference. Let us introduce you to micro volunteering.

Micro volunteering is perfect for those that don't have much spare time and like to work whilst 'on the go'. Specialised skills are rarely needed and it can be done from anywhere in the world. It is a chance for you to make a difference even if time isn't on your side.

What is micro volunteering?

Micro volunteering is a chance for a volunteer to donate small chunks of time to a charitable project, often through a web-enabled device. As I-Volunteer explains, "A quick scout around the web reveals many definitions, but one that seems most apt would be 'small, quick, low commitment actions that benefit a worthy cause'." Sparked, a volunteer matching website has a tag line that reads, "It's online volunteering, for busy people (like you)."

This means it can be done on the bus, whilst on a lunch break or even in your pyjamas!

The pros of micro volunteering

• Micro volunteering can be done at anytime and anywhere. This makes it much more convenient and flexible than traditional volunteering.
• A chance to improve many skills and add to your CV.
• Many opportunities don't ask for a commitment from a volunteer. This means that you only have to volunteer when you have the time.
• The actions can be very quick. This makes it particularly useful if you are facing a busy time of exams or an essay writing period.
• In many cases you can see an instant return on your volunteering.

Check out our 'Why Volunteer?' article to see many other reasons to volunteer whilst you are studying at LSE.

What types of activity can a volunteer get involved in?

The list is almost endless. It may just be that the action of playing an online game results in money being donated to a certain charity or you could proof read a web page and help spot grammatical errors.

Some other examples include:

• Being a 'pen pal' with a hospitalised child,
• Sign an online petition for a cause you believe in,
• Knit an item of clothing for someone who is need of it,
• Helping a charity run their e-bay account,
• Offering translation services,
• Editing articles on Wikipedia.

How do you find a micro volunteering opportunity?

There are several websites that offer such opportunities. These include:

• Global Giving
• Do-it
• UNV online volunteering
• Zooniverse
• Missing Maps
• Operation War Diary
• Be My Eyes

As we always recommend, do you research on the opportunity and organisation and make sure that it is suitable for you.

As an entrepreneur you will have to look into getting the funds to manage your operations – and ultimately make a profit. In the medium to long term these funds would be generated via your sales. However, when you are just starting out these funds might not yet be available. You may therefore need to look into financing your operations via:

• Personal savings
• Family and friends
• Private investors
• Bank loans
• Grants
• Business Angels
• Venture Capital Funds

In the early stages entrepreneurs often either fund themselves or rely on friends and family while they develop their business or social enterprise idea, improve their understanding of the environment in which they plan to operate, collect information on their target market, customers and potential competitors and fine-tune their product or service offering. Before they can apply for more formal and external sources of funding they will usually have had to collect enough information to put a detailed business plan together.

Useful websites

• British Business Angels Association

  National trade association dedicated to promoting angel investing and supporting early stage investment in the UK.

• British Venture Capital Association (BVCA)

  Industry body and public policy advocate for the private equity and venture capital industry in the UK

• Bytestart

  Thorough website devoted to business startup information.

• Fund 'R Venture

  Gain funding to give your start up the boost it needs through crowdfunding or bid writing with the help of Fund 'R Venture.

• Greater London Enterprise

  Access to equity and debt finance for small and medium enterprises in London.

• HM Revenue & Customs

  Information needed when starting a new business especially related to tax and national insurance.

• Invest Europe (formerly the EVCA)

  Invest Europe – formerly the EVCA - is the association representing Europe’s private equity, venture capital and infrastructure sectors, as well as their investors.

• London Development Agency

  Help and advice for small businesses.

• Prince's Trust

  Give practical and financial support, developing key workplace skills such as confidence and motivation. Can provide mentors.

• Research Council UK (RCUK)

  Links to UK research councils from where you can find details of funding opportunities, including scholarships and awards. Offers a unique Business Plan Competition tailored to providing researchers who have ideas with commercial potential the skills, knowledge and support needed to develop a first-rate business plan.

• Room for Tea

  A scheme to match up interns looking for affordable accommodation with older adults that have a spare room in their homes. Interns hoping to come to work in London will face a large shortage in affordable housing. 

• Startups.co.uk

  Source of business advice, inspiration, supplier comparisons and seed funding (via the Start-up Series)

• The National Council for Voluntary Organisations

  National Council for Voluntary Organisations has lots of useful tips, aimed at the not for profit sector. Local Voluntary Sector networking groups can be particularly good for useful links. National Council for Voluntary Organisations has lots of useful tips, aimed at the not for profit sector. Local Voluntary Sector networking groups can be particularly good for useful links.

• UnLtd

  A charity which supports social entrepreneurs

How do I become a volunteer?

If you are an LSE student or alumni, you can search through the volunteering opportunities currently listed on our website. You can also keep right up to date with new opportunities and news from the LSE Volunteer Centre by following us on Twitter or Instagram and liking our Facebook page.

What if I don't think I have enough time to volunteer?

We try to offer as wide a range of opportunities as possible to cater every taste, interest, and schedule! There are currently about 400 organisations working with us, each offering different projects with different time requirements. So whether you only have a couple of hours to help out with a one-off event, or a free afternoon every week to go volunteer in a school, we hope to be able to help you find something that would interest you.

Many of our opportunities - for example mentoring or visiting with elderly people - can take place at a time that is convenient for you, for example on evenings or over the weekend. Increasingly, a number of organisations are tapping into "virtual volunteering", as there are a lot of roles that you can carry out from the comfort of your own home, and in your own time. Examples include editing documents and websites, translating, interpretation over the phone, CyberMentoring (an opportunity with Beat Bullying), and many others. Moreover, if you find an opportunity on our database that isn't advertised as virtual, but you think could be done from home, don't be afraid to ask - most organisations will be more interested in getting the work done than seeing you in person.

What can I offer a charity?

You may not realise it, but you already have a lot you could contribute, even if you have not previously volunteered. Many of our opportunities simply require a friendly attitude and a little bit of time, and they are also a fantastic way of gaining skills and experience in an area that interests you

What do I need to think about before I decide to volunteer?

To state the obvious, though, you are more likely to get more out of your volunteering experience if you enjoy it! So when choosing what project you would like to get involved in, make sure you think about what you would most enjoy doing as well as what may be good for your personal development, world peace, saving the planet, etc.

Some questions to ask yourself:

• What do you want to do?
• What opportunities are available?
• What do you want to achieve?
• What have you got to offer? (time/skills)

What can I do?

The sky is the limit, really (although the school recommends you do not do more than 16 hours of volunteer/part-time work per week). To give you a taste of the range of possibilities, you could:

• Volunteer with a major charity (e.g. Red Cross, Amnesty International, Oxfam)
• Work on a local project (e.g. a local committee, recycling centre, ...)
• Volunteer online (proofreading, translating, editing, CyberMentoring)
• Help out with one-off events (e.g. fundraiser, World AIDS Day, London Marathon)
• Serve as a trustee for a charity
• Be a mentor to a young person
• Coach a team in your favourite sport
• Help an organisation with marketing, design or new media
• And many many many others!

What skills do you need? 

This really depends on the opportunity that you are interested in - some roles require specialised skills, including being able to speak a particular language (for example if you are helping out a particular ethnic community). However, don't let this stop you from exploring unchartered territory - many organisations will train you in specific areas without prior knowledge, and you will certainly develop new skills as you go along!

What can I expect?

Generally speaking, you can count of organisations to provide you with: 

• An outline of your voluntary work/ a role description
• Specialised training, if required
• Appropriate supervision (including regular meetings with your supervisor to discuss how things are going)
• Personal development opportunities

What if my question isn't answered here?

The Volunteer Centre team is here to help you so you can always book a one-to-one appointment with the Volunteer Centre Manager on LSE CareerHub or you can send an email to volunteer@lse.ac.uk.

What is a PhD?

Known as a research degree, the PhD is a 3-4 year (full time) or 5-7 year (part time) course of independent and original research which is supervised by an academic in the subject area.

You will contribute new research in the form of a thesis suitable for publication which is around 100000 words.

PhDs are traditionally research based, although the integrated PhDs, also known as New Route PhDs, combine research with a more vocational training programme.

Professional Doctorates are useful for students interested in professional careers and consist of a taught core and incorporate professional and academic knowledge. They are available in education (EdD), engineering (EngD or DEng) and business (DBA).

Why do a PhD?

People complete PhDs for a variety of reasons:

• Love of their subject
• Springboard into a new career
• Access to excellent resources for non-academic careers
• As a pre-requisite for academic careers

When can I do a PhD?

You can do a PhD if you have at least a 2:1 relevant first degree or a relevant masters. You must have in-depth knowledge of your subject area and be able to present a comprehensive research proposal.

You could also apply for a job as a Graduate Research Assistant where you would support the research an academic in your department, teach, take part in laboratory work and complete your own research. You could also consider completing a PhD part time whilst in a job.

Researching into PhDs

It is important to check the quality of the teaching on the course – see the Teaching Excellance Framework (TEF) ratings.

You will either come up with the topic yourself, pitch it at your preferred institution and supervisor and hope to gain funding, or you can apply for a topic which has been agreed between a funding council and an institution and advertised and hope to get accepted (funding will be assured here).

Useful publications in the LSE Careers Library

• Your PhD companion, Stephen Marshall and Nick Green, 2004
• The PhD Application Handbook, Peter Bentley, 2006
• How to get a PhD: third edition, Estelle Phillips and Derek Pugh, 2001
• AGCAS leaflet, postgraduate study and research

These slides [pdf] are from a talk given by Professor Charis Thompson (LSE and Berkeley) to PhD students and gives useful tips on approaching the US academic job market.

This paper on the economics job market is written by John Cawley and published by the Social Sciences Research Network. It’s worth a read for anyone interested in the US academic job market in general.

Another useful source of information is the Chronicle of Higher Education. This provides of news and advice on the US academic sector and also advertises jobs.

'The Professor Is In' is a blog that gives advice on how to approach the US academic job market. It’s well worth reading and has a particularly interesting blog post on What British-Trained Candidates Are Doing Wrong on the US Job Market. Slides from a talk given by Dr. Karen Kelsey about hacking the US academic job market may also be useful.

Teaching statements

Teaching Statements increasingly form part of the UK academic application package but they are common in the US and found in other countries. There is no standard UK format but these links might help you create yours (always check the requirements of the post, some set a page limit or word count and the UK style seems to be shorter than the US or Canadian guidelines). There is some guidance from North America here:

• How to Write a Statement of Teaching Philosophy by Gabriela Montell in The Chronicle of Higher Education.
• Statement of teaching philosophy from the University of Toronto - Note: these are MUCH longer than usually asked for in the UK. Here a side of A4 is generally what they want
• What do you need for a job in the US from jobs.ac.uk

Selection processes for postdoctoral positions, fellowships (teaching or research) and lectureship positions usually include an interview stage.

Academic interviews may include some or all of the following:

• Formal panel interview
• Individual discussions with academics in the department
• Job talk and/or presentation
• Informal networking perhaps including a lunch or dinner

Usually in the UK a lectureship interview includes all of the above.

How to prepare

Prepare for your interview by:

• Reviewing your application materials
• Finding out who will be on the interview panel and their research interests and departmental responsibilities. It is fine to ring up to ask about this.
• Doing some background research on the research project, department and university. Find out who works there and what their research interests are. Tip: Search their website as if you were a prospective student to find out what courses are available and how they teach.
• Thinking about how your research and teaching experience fits with them and what you can bring to the department and project
• Anticipating questions the interviewers may ask and practising your answers (Tip: Use our list of typical interview questions [pdf])
• Having a practice interview with the LSE PhD/research staff careers consultant (Book an appointment with the PhD Careers Consultant on CareerHub)

Typical interview questions

View or download a list of typical academic interview questions [pdf] collected from feedback from real-life interviews.

Job talks and presentations at interviews

Here are some tips for preparing and delivering your job talk/interview presentation:

• Check if they give you a topic or brief
• Think about your audience – how close are they to your field? Adapt your content to them
• Stick exactly to the timings they give you
• If you are talking about your research make sure you talk about why it is worth doing – it's probably less obvious than you think!

Practice interview appointments

PhD students can book a 30 minute one to one appointment with the PhD Careers Consultant to practice for an interview or discuss any aspect of careers. Book an appointment on CareerHub.

Further reading:

• The typical job titles and career path for academics in the UK are different to those in other countries. The slides linked to above give an overview of the differences.
• The Times Higher Education supplement and Guardian Higher Education are good ways to keep in touch with sector news.
• Most UK academic jobs are advertised on jobs.ac.uk.
• Research Professional is a database of funding opportunities. LSE has a subscription to this funding database and so you will be able to create an account from an LSE computer and then access it off-site using your account. It includes funding at all levels including conference funding, travel funds, early-career research fellowships etc.
• The Russell Group is a group of research-intensive universities in the UK.
• The REF (research excellence framework) is an important measure of the research quality of departments and is run approximately every 6 years. It last ran in 2014. The submissions and results of the REF (in previous years known as the RAE) are freely available online. The next REF will be conducted in 2021 and submissions will be made 2020.
• Increasingly the TEF (Teaching Excellence Framework) is influencing work in higher education. Teaching excellence is measured using a range of factors and awards of Bronze, Silver, and Gold are made to rank universities for their teaching and wider student experience.

If you are interested in an academic career then some strategic planning during your PhD will increase your chance of success.

You should consider:

Where do I want to work?

The academic job market is competitive so it helps to be geographically fairly open. Someone interested in working anywhere in the UK is going to find more opportunities than someone who will only consider working in London. If you are restricted geographically you should think about the number of institutions/departments that would be open to you in that area and how often vacancies are likely to arise. If the number is small you may want to rethink your openness to working in other places, consider careers outside academia, or attractive jobs in HE.

If you are looking at an academic career overseas, you should pay special attention to building up your networks and understanding of how the academic system works in that country. To help you network you could attend conferences in that country or have a period as a visiting student in a university there. You should also try to keep up to date with news in the academic sector in that country. We have some guidance on planning for a US academic career and an academic and research career in Germany or in France.

Research

Research productivity and quality is important for making you competitive on the academic job market. Each discipline has its own way of disseminating research and measures of quality. It is important to develop an understanding of these for your own discipline during your PhD. Your supervisors, mentors and contacts will be good sources of information on this.

Not all publications are equal! There are many ways to publish work including books/monographs, book chapters, journal articles, blog posts, news articles etc. If your discipline measures academic quality in peer-reviewed journal articles then it is better to focus on these than spend the time on producing lots of e.g. blog posts instead. If you have your journal articles sorted, then of course having blog posts too is good.

You will need to develop a publication strategy to make the most of the work from your PhD. There are different schools of thought on this. Some will advise you to focus on finishing the PhD first and then worry about publishing later. Others will advise you to get on with publishing as soon as possible. Seek advice, preferably from a number of sources, before you take your decision. There is no doubt that having something already accepted for publication will enhance your chances on the academic job market, although in some disciplines this is not feasible.

As well as producing research outputs such as publications, you will need to be networking and establishing a profile within your discipline. This is most commonly done by attending conferences. When you attend conferences, don’t be shy, talk to people and make connections. Before you go to a conference look at who will be attending and pick out people you are most interested in speaking to; maybe their research links with yours or they work in an institution you might like to work in one day. A strategy that can work well, especially for large conferences, is to email people before the conference to introduce yourself.

Conferences

Conference Alerts is a comprehensive directory of academic conferences which you can filter by subject or location. We have also listed some of the major international student and academic conferences below.

Academic conferences

• African Studies Association of the UK (ASAUK)

  Scholarly organization with a membership that includes academics, journalists and broadcasters, civil servants and many others with an interest in Africa

• British International Studies Association (BISA)

  UK version of the International Studies Association. Useful for networking in UK

• European International Studies Association (EISA)

  Largest European conference on international studies

• European University Institute (EUI) - Graduate Network Conference

  The European Graduate Network brings together several leading European universities, including LSE

• The International Studies Association (ISA)

  Largest academic conference for international students

Another way to meet people is to get involved with networks such as h-net or the Social Science Research Network.

As you start to get towards the end of your PhD, start thinking about where you want to take your research after the PhD. Try to develop research ideas and plans for projects you would like to in the future. These need to be more than just a routine extension of your PhD and be worthwhile in their own right. Increasingly a five year research strategy, including funding, is required by job candidates.

Teaching

See our information and advice on getting teaching experience.

Administration

After research and teaching, the third classical component of an academic career is administration. Typically in an academic context this refers to the responsibilities academic members of staff take on within their department. These include committee work, organising seminars, student recruitment, conference organising etc.

You won’t be expected to have a lot of this type of experience at the point of graduating from a PhD, but you should have something that indicates you have the capacity to contribute to a department in this way. It could be representing students on the Research Students Consultative Forum or another committee, taking on some responsibility related to your discipline such as organising a conference, or taking a role in a student society.

By itself administrative experience won’t get you an academic job and so it is important that you don’t spend too much time on it. Just enough to show that you are willing and able to do it.

CVs and covering letters

For academic jobs you will typically be asked to send any or all of the following:

• Application form
• CV
• Cover Letter
• Research Statement
• Teaching Statement (more common in the US than the UK)

Before starting to put together your application materials, think carefully about the position you are applying for. The answers to the following questions should influence how you present yourself on paper:

• What is the balance between research and teaching?
• Will I be working on someone else’s research or my own independent research?
• Is the position fixed-term/contract or permanent/open-ended?

If possible try to also find out more about the position using either the contact given in the job advert or your own contacts. Try to find out why the position is being advertised (for example, has someone retired? is the department growing?) and a bit about what they are expecting from their new hire, such as to teach existing courses or develop new ones.

Academic CVs

General

• Length is unimportant – can run to several pages
• List items in reverse chronological order within sections (most recent at top)
• Don’t need personal details such as photo, gender, marital status
• Use simple, easy to read formatting and layout
• Avoid institution-specific terminology e.g. the codes of courses you’ve taught if you are applying outside LSE

Section Headings

These are typical section headings for academic CVs. You don’t need to use all of them – if something is not appropriate for your CV leave it out:

• Name and contact details
• Research areas
• Education
• Research positions/academic appointments
• Awards and research grants
• Teaching experience
• Publications
• Conference presentations
• Organisational and administrative experience
• Professional affiliations/memberships
• Additional skills (e.g. languages, IT)
• References

Presenting Publications

It’s crucial to present your publications clearly as this section will be one of the most important on your CV. You should:

• Include ‘in preparation’ or ‘planned’ publications (within reason) and state which journal you plan to submit them to and if possible when
• Be clear about the status of other publications e.g. ‘under review’, ‘accepted for publication’
• Separate out different types of publication. The highest impact publications for an academic selection panel are likely to be any peer-reviewed journal papers. Have these (planned or already published) in a separate section listed first. Group other types of publication together e.g. newspaper articles, book reviews etc.

Example CVs

Below are some examples of successful academic CVs that have been kindly donated by LSE PhD students. These are based on real applications but some names and details have been changed:

• UK lectureship – CV [pdf]
• UK teaching position – CV [pdf]

You might also find examples on the PhD students, job market pages or academic staff pages of your department. For example, International Relations.

Academic covering letters

General

• Length – generally 1 to 3 pages (shorter if you are also sending a research proposal)
• Use the layout for a professional letter (see examples on website)
• The first paragraph should state clearly what position you are applying for
• Avoid giving simply a chronological account of your experience – this is what your CV is for.
• Analyse the position to decide what parts of your experience will be of most interest to the selection panel E.g. For a research-only position they will be more interested in the impact of your research than in your teaching experience. Concentrate the content on your most relevant experience.
• Show that you are interested in and know about them in particular – don’t allow your cover letter to read as if it could be sent to any department/university

Research 

You should consider who will be reading your cover letter. For example, if you are applying for a lectureship your letter will be read by academics in the department to which you are applying. They are unlikely to be working directly in your area of interest. This means that you cannot assume that they will appreciate the novelty/value of your research and you will need to be explicit about this. So:

• Situate your work – how does it relate to what other scholars have done/are doing
• Draw attention to what is original about your thesis and your research activity and how it contributes to the field
• Mention key publications that are published/planned – these are the main means of assessing research quality in most academic markets
• If appropriate (e.g. for fellowships/lectureships) describe future research plans. You will need to persuade the reader that these are worthwhile, interesting and well thought through
• Mention any experience you have of securing research funding

Teaching

• Convey your enthusiasm for teaching
• Indicate the breadth of your experience in teaching e.g. undergraduates, postgraduates, range of subjects
• Try to link your experience to them. For example, if you are applying to somewhere that teaches predominantly mature students, give evidence for why you would be able to teach that particular group well
• If you have received any training or mentoring such as PGCert or GTA training, mention this

Teaching statements

Teaching Statements increasingly form part of the UK academic application package but they are common in the US and found in other countries. There is no standard UK format but these links might help you create yours (always check the requirements of the post, some set a page limit or word count and the UK style seems to be shorter than the US or Canadian guidelines). There is some guidance from North America here:

• How to Write a Statement of Teaching Philosophy by Gabriela Montell in The Chronicle of Higher Education.
• Statement of teaching philosophy from the University of Toronto - Note: these are MUCH longer than usually asked for in the UK. Here a side of A4 is generally what they want
• What do you need for a job in the US from jobs.ac.uk

Example covering letters

Below are some examples of successful academic cover letters that have been kindly donated by LSE PhD students. All of these are real applications but some names and details have been changed:

• UK lectureship - cover letter [pdf]
• UK teaching position – cover letter [pdf]

Review your application materials

Once you have completed your application you can make an appointment with the PhD careers consultant to review the content.

Research statements and proposals

When applying for an academic position you will sometimes be asked to write a research statement or when applying for funding, supply a research proposal. In all cases adhere to what the selectors have requested in terms of length and focus. Here are some general tips:

• If they don’t specify a length, two sides of A4 should be enough.
• Think about your audience. How close are they to your discipline? Adapt accordingly.
• Make sure you address the question of why your research is worth doing. Don’t just assume that they will agree with you that it is. It is not enough for something to just be interesting to you. You must convince that others are going to be interested too.
• Situate your work in the wider discipline. How does it relate to other people’s work? What does it change or what could it change in the field?
• Strike a balance between your research track record (what you have already achieved) and your future research plans.
• Be specific about expected research outputs.
• Make sure the research you propose doing is both interesting enough to be worth doing but also achievable in the time frames involved.
• Although you may need to adapt it slightly as it was written by an engineer, Heilmeier’s Catechism is still a useful set of questions to ask yourself when putting together a research proposal.

In personality tests or (personality questionnaires) you will be asked to answer a series of questions about yourself, the type of person you are, the way you think, your relationship with people and your emotions. Quite often similar questions will be repeated, but in slightly different ways, to ensure accurate and genuine answers are given.

The format might involve you identifying the statement that best describes you or ranking the presented options in order of your level of agreement with them.

The questionnaire results allow employers to identify your personal characteristics in relation to the world of work and to check whether your personality type is suited to the job you have applied for and the team you would be working in. The results from these tests are sometimes used by recruiters to inform the questions they ask you during the interview process.

How can I prepare for a personality test?

While you might initially think that being tested on your personality shouldn’t require any preparation, it does require a level of self-reflection which can be demanding for some. By undertaking practice tests, you’ll better understand the process involved and that should help you to feel more focused and less nervous on the day.

• Login to GraduatesFirst via the LSE Careers subscription to access their Work Personality Questionnaire.
• You can also find personality questionnaires at JobTestPrep and AssessmentDay.

• You can gain an idea of the strengths an employer is looking for from their website, the job description/person specification, or from speaking to current employees. This knowledge will help you to reflect on your own strengths and focus your responses on the day.

How can I perform better on the day?

• Don’t try to second guess what the employer is looking for. Give honest answers to the questions. This will lead to more accurate matching between you, the role and employer, and ultimately greater job satisfaction for you.

Do not think too hard about each question, quite often your gut reaction will be the most appropriate answer.

Situational judgement tests (often abbreviated to SJTs) are designed to assess your ability to choose the most and/or least appropriate action in a range of workplace situations. They present you with a realistic scenario and ask you to select the optimal response from several choices. Sometimes you will be asked to rank a range of options in the order that you feel would be the most effective.

SJTs are usually designed specifically for each employer to use, so the situations described often reflect real-life elements of the job you are applying for.

The scenarios vary widely, but often involve prioritising your workload when an unexpected task is introduced, deciding how to best to handle a mistake made by you or a colleague, or dealing with a difficult customer query or other problem.  

International law firm Allen & Overy presents a typical example in a short YouTube video here.

They are used by a wide range of employers in graduate level recruitment, including Jaguar Land Rover, KPMG, PwC, Deloitte, Civil Service Fast Stream, John Lewis, Sony, Network Rail, NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme, Nestle, BP, Herbert Smith Freehills and the Co-op.

The format will vary from paper-based to computer-based. Sometimes the test will include video clips or animations. A test typically lasts for around 30 minutes.

How can I prepare for a situational judgement test?

• By researching the employer, you’ll gain a stronger idea of the competencies they are looking for and the values that are important to them. These are likely to be reflected in the scenarios you face.
• Login to GraduatesFirst using the LSE Careers subscription to access their online SJT and receive a personal report with correct answers.

• Although a generic practice SJT may not present scenarios that precisely reflect your chosen role or sector – it will give you an idea of the format of these tests and what’s required. A quick Google search will provide a list of free online practice tests. Try the following: AssessmentDay, JobTestPrep or SituationalJudgementTest.

How can I perform better on the day?

• Make sure you are clear about the instructions and that you read each scenario carefully.
• Keep in mind what you know about the employer and their ethos – what do they value? What behaviours are likely to be important to them?
• When choosing your actions, remember to focus on what you would do in a professional situation. A useful rule of thumb when prioritising your answers is to think about the business/customer first and your team/colleagues a close second.
• Reflect on your own experience. Part-time customer service or volunteering roles will have given you a useful insight into how to be proactive and professional.
• Be yourself and go with your first natural response. The employer wants to understand who you are and what value you will add to their organisation.

Verbal reasoning tests assess your ability to comprehend, interpret and use words. Depending on the type of job you are applying for, you may be asked to:

• identify the word that is spelt incorrectly in a sentence
• identify or correct a grammatical error
• choose the most appropriate word to complete a specific sentence.

At graduate recruitment level, you are most likely to come across the following format:

• read a passage of text and then say whether a statement is true, false or it isn’t possible to say, based on what you’ve just read.

One of the more hidden aspects of verbal reasoning is testing your ability to follow instructions, so take time to carefully read the passage or question.

How can I prepare for verbal reasoning tests?

There are many sources of practice test available online. This is a great way to familiarise yourself with the way questions might be asked and the pressure of a time limit.

• Login to GraduatesFirst to access verbal reasoning tests via the LSE Careers subscription. Unlike many of the free online resources, this one will give you a personalised report and worked solutions to questions – so you can use this to work out where you need to improve.
• A quick Google search will provide a list of free online practice tests. Try the following: AssessmentDay, VerbalReasoningTest or JobTestPrep.   

• Read newspapers/magazines, books or manuals. Question the facts you find and consider what the purpose of the piece is.
• Try to expand your vocabulary by using a dictionary to look up words you don’t know.

How can I perform better on the day?

• Read the questions and possible answers carefully. Some questions may have answers that are similar or designed to catch you out.
• Do not make assumptions or use your own subject knowledge to answer the questions, use only the information and detail available to you in the test.

Over 300 students from over 63 nationalities study on the LLM programme in the Department of Law each academic year. LSE Careers works closely with colleagues and the law academic staff to provide support to all post graduate students and alumni during and up to 5 years after completion of the programme.

Graduates from the LLM pursue a variety of careers in many countries. These include legal and non-legal roles which range from global commercial law firms, national governments, regional or international institutions and NGOs, to private sector organisations such as finance and consulting firms. Some graduates continue in higher education to fulfil career ambitions in teaching and research. The LLM is a route into the legal professions, but it is by no means only that.

Whether you have a clear idea of what you want to do after your LLM or haven't started thinking about it yet, LSE Careers can help, providing a range of careers services and events, information and advice, online and one-to-one appointments, and a job board with UK and international, full time, part time, internship, vacation scheme, training contract and volunteering opportunities. 20 minute one-to-one Law postgraduate careers appointments and practice interview sessions are available every Wednesday afternoon within the Law department with your departmental careers consultant. These can be booked via CareerHub which is your gateway to Law and other careers events (including seminars, fairs, employer presentations and alumni sessions).

The Careers Information for LLM Students booklet provides a wealth of information about gaining work experience, qualification within the UK, lateral hire opportunities and alumni career paths.

	Postgraduate law career learning path [PDF]
	Careers information for LLM Students 2018/19 [PDF]

Qualification in the England and Wales

If you are a LLM student who is a qualified lawyer in your own common law or civil law jurisdiction, you will need to check your status with The Law Society through the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

The current route to qualification as a solicitor is due to change in September 2021 with the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) and Legal Practice Course (LPC),  being replaced by a new  framework of rules called the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE).   The route to qualify as a barrister is also undergoing change and you can check progress via the  Bar Standard Board. 

For some students, and prior to September 2021 the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme (QLTS) might be an option to consider - this allows those already qualified lawyers in other jurisdictions to qualify as a solicitor of England and Wales without having to complete the full education and training requirements defined in the QLTS Regulations 2011.

You can apply directly to law firms for positions as a qualified lawyer, for a training contract or for a short term contract role as a way of gaining some international experience; look at their websites for vacancies or go through a recruitment agency. LSE Careers schedules an introductory careers seminar each year for LLMs at the beginning of term; you will be notified by the LLM Course Administrator.

Events for LLM students

Alongside the various events we run focussing on law and legal services, LSE Careers runs a specific series of events for LLM students throughout the academic year encompassing seminars, skills workshops and advertising a number of off-campus events specifically for students undertaking the programme, so keep an eye on LSE CareerHub for these events.

Specialist Recruitment Agencies

• Totally Legal,  Taylor Root,  Chase Portland,  Abacus Legal,  SSQ,  Badenoch & Clark,  Dawn Ellmore  - Legal and IP recruitment specialists
• Legal Futures - One of the largest specialist legal recruiters in Asia. It offers focused legal recruiting services in Japan and Hong Kong and across the Asia Pacific Region
• Hays Recruitment - Leading global specialist recruitment group, and the market leader in the UK and Australia, placing professional candidates into permanent, temporary and interim jobs.
• Hudson - Recruitment agency specialising in accounting and finance, banking and financial services, energy, HR, IT, legal and marketing.
• The PSD Group - Recruitment Agency - Recruitment agency worked in Technology, IT, Marketing, Sales, Property, Law, Finance and Accountancy. Work across Europe and Asia.

Job Boards

Legal 500, The Lawyer, Legal Week Jobs, LawCareers.Net Jobs

Other resources and FAQs

• LawCareers.Net - This site has details of practice areas by specialisation and vacancies/deadlines for training contracts, pupillages and paralegal positions. LCN Focus features specific firms and there are interviews with trainees. Copies of firms' brochures are also on this site.
• The Lawyer - Within this site you will find various reports on law firms for example: The Lawyer Career Report designed to give lawyers a clear picture of partnership prospects at the 100 largest UK firms and the top 30 international firms in London.
• Chambers Student - This site has information to help you research law firms and barristers chambers as well as information about qualification routes, law schools and becoming a lawyer.
• The Law Society  - Our complex legal system offers a wide variety of career options and the legal profession has seen a steady rise in diverse job opportunities. If you choose to qualify as a solicitor, you become a member of the Law Society and you will be regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Find out more about legal careers here.
• First Counsel - Legal Support for Startups, SMEs and Entrepreneurs
• AllAboutLLMs -  Search for LLM courses, browse law schools, get your daily hit of LLM news and consume a lifetime's supply of LLM-related advice.
• AllAboutLaw - Search for courses, opportunities and discover a career in the legal sector. 

Securing funding for your master's degree is a competitive process that requires planning, research, and a strategic approach. 

Many students successfully fund their studies by combining different sources including scholarships, student loans, part-time work, and savings. 

Below, we discuss some ways to navigate the funding landscape, how to prioritise your efforts, and some key resources and links you can explore for further support. 

Planning your approach to finding funding 

The approach below looks at finding funding in different steps. This helps you to prioritise sources based on their relevance, value, and your likelihood of a successful application, allowing for a focused and efficient use of your time. 

Step one: Institutional funding 

These are awards administered directly by an institution or university (for example, LSE). They represent your most immediate and relevant opportunities, as the application processes are usually integrated with the university's admissions system and are specifically designed for students applying to that institution.  

For example, at LSE you may consider the Graduate Support Scheme (GSS). This single financial application puts you in consideration for other LSE Master's Awards. 

The UK institution model often centralises funding applications, sometimes making them accessible after you receive an offer for your course. 

This can differ from other systems. 

In the US, for example, funding like teaching or research assistantships is often handled directly by academic departments and may require a separate, earlier application. 

In the EU, funding is frequently tied to specific programmes like the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters, where the scholarship and course application are one and the same.  

Always check the specific process for each institution you apply to as per their own guidance or FAQs. If in doubt, get in touch with their support teams! 

Step two: Major external scholarships 

This step comprises higher value, prestigious scholarships offered by governments and major foundations. 

These awards can be transformative, often covering the full cost of study. However, they are competitive and require tailored applications that often go beyond academic merit to include criteria such as leadership potential and future impact. They may also sometimes have nationality requirements. 

Examples include Chevening Scholarships (for 160+ countries), Commonwealth Scholarships (for Commonwealth citizens), and the Fulbright Awards (for US citizens moving overseas, or students from other countries going to the US to study). 

Step three: Supplementary and specialist grants 

You may also look toward a broad array of smaller grants from academic societies, charitable trusts, and foundations. 

While the value of individual awards may be modest, they can be aggregated to form a larger amount of total funding. This approach diversifies your application effort and mitigates the risk of relying solely on securing a single, large scholarship. It can be time-consuming, so it will help you to plan ahead, be strategic, and be well-prepared. 

Resources like The Scholarship Hub and FindAMasters are excellent for finding these opportunities effectively. 

Key sources of master's funding

Below are some of the primary avenues for master's funding. Remember to check eligibility criteria and deadlines carefully for each one.

LSE financial support

If you’re applying to LSE, the most important first step is to apply for your course early. Once you have an offer of admission, you can access the Graduate Financial Support Application, which considers you for the needs-based Graduate Support Scheme (GSS) and merit-based LSE Master's Awards. The deadline is typically in early May each year. This will be similar for other institution-specific support on offer. See this page on LSE scholarships, studentships, loans and tuition fees (includes 20 internal department funds and external postgraduate loan sources).

UK Government Postgraduate Master's Loan

Eligible UK students can apply for a government loan to help with course fees and living costs. You can find out more about eligibility and how to apply on the official government website.

Major international schemes

Beyond those mentioned in step two above, many countries offer their own scholarships for study abroad. 

For US students

The Fulbright Awards are the premier scholarship for US citizens studying in the UK. You may also be able to use US federal loans for study at LSE; see LSE's US Federal Loans page for more information. 

For EU students

The Erasmus+ Master Loan scheme can provide financing for study in a different country. 

For all nationalities

Research your home country's Ministry of Education or equivalent body for national scholarship schemes (eg, DAAD for German students, JASSO for Japanese students). British Council’s GREAT Scholarships scheme supports tuition fees for one-year master’s courses in the UK for citizens of 18 countries. 

Charitable trusts and foundations

There are thousands of charities that provide grants for education. Eligibility can be very specific, so read the criteria carefully. Examples include: 

• The Sir Richard Stapley Educational Trust: For postgraduate students with academic merit and financial need who are resident in the UK. 
• The Gilchrist Educational Trust: Primarily a hardship fund for students who encounter unexpected financial difficulties during their course. 
• Funds for Women Graduates (FFWG): Offers grants to women of any nationality to assist with living costs during postgraduate study in the UK. 

Funding databases

These allow you to search wider sources for available funding. Whilst extensive, they are not exhaustive. Databases include: 

• FindAMasters Funding
• PostgraduateStudentships.co.uk
• The Scholarship Hub
• UKCISA (UK Council for International Student Affairs)

Using AI to search for funding 

Generative AI (GenAI) can be used to identify potential sources of funding for your postgraduate degree, but it must be used carefully.  

Below is an example prompt you could adapt to start an AI search for sources, in addition to using the resources above. However, make sure you use critical judgement to consider the results it produces to confirm your eligibility, as well as the relevance and availability of the funding option in your own context. Underneath the sample prompt is further information about how to use any information you gather in this way.  

Sample GenAI Prompt: 

"I am a prospective student looking for funding for a postgraduate course in the UK. I would like you to act as a researcher and scan databases online to create a list of a range of possible funding sources and charities that I may be eligible for – a minimum of 25 for me to explore. Below are some facts about me, my course and more details that you should take into account that may affect my eligibility: 

About me: I am 21 years old, male, an Australian citizen who would be an international student in the UK, with a place on the full-time MSc Economic History at LSE, which I am looking to raise funding towards the overall cost. 

About the degree: MSc Economic History (full time) at LSE. The course description is here: https://www.lse.ac.uk/study-at-lse/graduate/msc-economic-history. It is a postgraduate taught course and will be taught at the LSE on campus in London. 

About grants: I would be open to all types of grant – unrestricted, fees and maintenance, research/travel/conference, study costs, or contributions towards writing up / researching a final thesis or dissertation. Please generate me names of the funding bodies and charities/organisations, a 100-200 word summary of the organisation and the grants or funding potentially available, plus their web address or contact details so I can explore further. Include specifically the range of the value of the funding or grants if specified, when they are available, any key eligibility criteria also. Do this for all 25+ sources. Also, do not include any sources that require a paid licence or membership to access." 

Using AI generated information  

Always verify the information provided by AI with the official funding body's website, as details can change. Whether prompting GenAI or using agents, specific dates and figures can be misrepresented or hallucinated by the platform, so you must only use AI as part of the process, and not just accept your final output at face value – use critical judgement to check and evaluate the information the AI tool has given you.  

When approaching use of GenAI in your career planning, you can use LSE Careers’ ACRES model for AI prompt design to support you: 

• Assess your needs, then Clarify and contextualise: The prompt is highly specific. It doesn't just ask for "funding"; it details the user's nationality, age, course, and the type of grants they're interested in. However, it is mindful of security and doesn’t provide a level of detail that would be identifiable at an individual level or confidential. Providing context is crucial for getting relevant, targeted results.
• Engage, Refine, Synthesise: While the prompt itself is the first step, its detailed nature is designed to produce a high-quality initial output. This allows you to effectively engage with the results, refine them with follow-up questions, and synthesise the information into your own research notes.

By using AI in this structured way, you are empowering yourself to conduct effective research while taking accountability for the final output. This approach also encourages you to check the reliability of the AI's output by cross-referencing with the official funding links provided. 

Securing funding for your PhD is a highly competitive process that requires planning, research, and a strategic approach. 

Many students successfully fund their studies through scholarships, but you may also need to consider alternative sources, including student loans, part-time work, or savings.

Below, we discuss some ways to navigate the funding landscape, how to prioritise your efforts, and some key resources and links you can explore for further support. 

You can also discuss your PhD plans and funding at a careers appointment with LSE Careers.

PhD funding sources

Institutional funding 

As a first step, always look at institutional funding for PhDs. Options for this are usually linked to an institution’s admissions and applications pages. 

For institutional funding information at LSE, check out: 

• LSE PhD studentships
• LSE scholarships, studentships, loans and tuition fees (includes 20 internal department funds and external postgraduate loan sources)
• LSE Research and Innovation’s information pages on opportunities for research funding at LSE – please note that these are often not open to new PhD students.

Other funding sources 

You may also consider other funding sources during your PhD.  

LSE has a subscription to the Research Professional funding database – this means you will be able to create an account from within LSE and then access it off-site using your account. The database includes funding options at all levels including conference funding, travel funds, and early-career research fellowships. 

Here are some other useful sources to check out: 

• All-Acad.com – Search thousands of positions and grants in economics, social science, in research and industry at worldwide leading universities, colleges, schools, research institutions and companies.
• Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) – Small and large grants, and project grants for students in humanities-based social sciences. 
• Chevening Scholarships – Chevening Scholarships enable outstanding emerging leaders from many countries in the world to pursue a PhD degree in the UK. 
• Commonwealth PhD Scholarships – For applicants from least developed countries and vulnerable states, as classified by the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC), in the Commonwealth, for full-time doctoral study at a UK university. See also: Commonwealth Scholars – LSE Information. 
• Commonwealth PhD Scholarships for high income countries – Commonwealth PhD Scholarships are for candidates from high income Commonwealth countries (as defined by the OECD), for full-time doctoral study at a UK university. 
• Community Research and Development Information Service (CORDIS) – Information on European research initiatives, including EU-funded research programmes. 
• Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) – The UK's largest organisation for funding research on economic and social issues. 
• eduPASS – Wide range of information about studying in the US as an international student on undergraduate, graduate or professional education programmes. Includes information on paying tax on pay, scholarships, grants and other funding. 
• FindAPhD Funding Page – List of funding opportunities for PhD students from the FindAPhD website. 
• FindAPhD – Postgraduate research degrees, PhDs, studentships and scholarships. 
• Ford Foundation – Provides grants to support research into social change and development. 
• Fulbright Scholar Program – The US government's flagship program in international educational exchange. 
• Funding for US Study – A database of scholarships, fellowships and grants organised and maintained by the Institute of International Education (IIE). 
• German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) – scholarship database – Database of scholarships and funding opportunities in Germany. 
• GlobalGrant – Database of international scholarships and grants. 
• International Education Financial Aid (IEFA) – Searchable for scholarships and other sources of funding, eg, financial aid, college scholarship and grant information, for US and international students wishing to study abroad. 
• Jobs.ac.uk – Leading UK site for academic and academic-related jobs; includes some overseas jobs and PhD funded scholarships. 
• Joseph Rowntree Foundation – Endowed charity that funds a large, UK-wide research and development programme focussing on social policy issues, maybe of limited use for individuals. 
• Leverhulme Trust – Funding for cross disciplinary research. 
• National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) – Supporting researchers in health and social care. #
• Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) – The UK's main agency for funding and managing research, training and knowledge transfer in the environmental sciences. 
• Nuffield Foundation – Fund research and innovation in education and social policy. 
• Research – News, funding opportunities and jobs for researchers. A paid subscription is required for certain news stories and funding opportunities. 
• Research Professional – Source of information about international research, has UK and international funding and jobs. 
• SOAS Funding – Information from SOAS listing external sources of funding to fund or supplement the funding of a PhD. 
• Social Science Research Council (SSRC) – An independent US-based nonprofit organisation devoted to the advancement of social science research and scholarship. 
• UK Research Office – The UK's leading information and advice service on European Union funding for research and higher education. 
• Wellcome Trust – Grants for research related to human health. 

Using AI to search for funding 

Generative AI (GenAI) can be used to identify potential sources of funding for your PhD, but you must use it carefully. 

Below is an example prompt you could adapt to start an AI search for sources, in addition to using the resources above. However, make sure you use critical judgement to consider the results it produces to confirm your eligibility, as well as the relevance and availability of the funding option in your own context. Underneath the sample prompt is further information about how to use any information you gather in this way. 

Sample GenAI Prompt: 

"I am a prospective student looking for funding for a PhD postgraduate course in the UK. I would like you to act as a researcher and scan databases online to create a list of a range of possible funding sources and charities that I may be eligible for – a minimum of 25 for me to explore. Below are some facts about me, my course and more details that you should take into account that may affect my eligibility:  

About me: I am 24 years old, female, an Austrian citizen who would be an international student in the UK, with a place on the full-time PhD in international relations at LSE, I am looking to raise funding towards the overall costs of fees and living expenses.  

About the degree: full-time PhD in International Relations at LSE, the course description is here: https://www.lse.ac.uk/international-relations/research/mphil-phd-programme-ir?entryId=2319c173-7bdc-45d3-9a69-d12fd54340d7&nodeId=e2e64854-5d30-44fa-a289-a5ef76104f3e and more details are here  https://www.lse.ac.uk/study-at-lse/graduate/mphilphd-international-relations.  It is a postgraduate research course and will be taught at the LSE on campus in London.  

About grants: I would be open to all types of grant – unrestricted, fees and maintenance, research/travel/conference, study costs, or contributions towards writing up / researching a final thesis or dissertation. Please generate me names of the funding bodies and charities/organisations, a 100-200 word summary of the organisation and the grants or funding potentially available, plus their web address or contact details so I can explore further. Include specifically the range of the value of the funding or grants if specified, when they are available, any key eligibility criteria also. Do this for all 25+ sources. Also, do not include any sources that require a paid licence or membership to access." 

Using AI generated information  

Always verify the information provided by AI with the official funding body's website, as details can change. Whether prompting GenAI or using agents, specific dates and figures can be misrepresented or hallucinated by the platform, so you must only use AI as part of the process, and not just accept your final output at face value – use critical judgement to check and evaluate the information the AI tool has given you. 

When approaching use of GenAI in your career planning, you can use LSE Careers’ ACRES model for AI prompt design to support you: 

• Assess your needs, then Clarify and contextualise: The prompt is highly specific. It doesn't just ask for "funding"; it details the user's nationality, age, course, and the type of grants they're interested in. However, it is mindful of security and doesn’t provide a level of detail that would be identifiable at an individual level or confidential. Providing context is crucial for getting relevant, targeted results.
• Engage, Refine, Synthesise: While the prompt itself is the first step, its detailed nature is designed to produce a high-quality initial output. This allows you to effectively engage with the results, refine them with follow-up questions, and synthesise the information into your own research notes. 

By using AI in this structured way, you are empowering yourself to conduct effective research while taking accountability for the final output. This approach also encourages you to check the reliability of the AI's output by cross-referencing with the official funding links provided. 

Has your career path developed as you planned?

I knew I wanted to work in international development but I never had a specific career path in mind. Instead, I worked step by step to acquire new skills or to study a topic I had interest in. I think the key is to be prepared but flexible. The right opportunities will come but you should be ready for them.   

Tell us about your current job

My main duty is to coordinate an important national-level research study on costs and technical efficiency in five African countries. As such, I manage the activities of my team, and work with local governments, academic partners and our funding agency to ensure the project develops well and work is delivered on time. I’m involved in all stages of the research: protocol and instruments development, sample selection, training and pilot, data collection, data analysis, reports and academic articles writing. On top of this, I’m also involved in several other research projects in Brazil and Mexico. I also occasionally teach for graduate students and health professionals.  

I would say my work is 40% project management and implementation, 40% technical work and 20% teaching or preparing for conferences or talks. It requires being organised and rigorous, but also flexible: I work with 10 different countries, and people from various backgrounds, and things never go as planned!  

Why did you choose this job?   

I moved to Mexico barely speaking any Spanish, and convinced my first position would have little to do with my training and level of experience. But when I arrived at my institute to work on my final dissertation for LSE, one big project in Africa was about to start, and they were looking for someone trained in health finance and health policy, who spoke French and English and with good management skills. That was the perfect fit.

What do you like most about your job? Is there anything that you dislike?

I love that my work is intellectually stimulating. There is a lot to learn both in health policy and health economics. I also love that I get to work with such great people from which I’ve learned a lot. I love to interact with institutions from all over the world, and get the chance to travel to different places and see how health is implemented in different countries. Finally, I think the work we are doing can really make a different in how health systems are organized, and this is incredibly rewarding.

I don’t like the bureaucracy and how things can be so slow and complicated when they shouldn’t be. Working in multicultural environment can also be tough sometimes, because you constantly have to adjust to different ways of working. 

What career plans do you have for the future?  

I’m applying for a Doctorate in Public Health (DrPH) next year, and I’m hoping to continue working part-time while studying.

Thinking back, why did you choose your degree subject and why did you choose LSE?  

I wanted to remain in Europe, and get a degree in an English-speaking university, so LSE & LSHTM were just the best options in my field.

How has your time at LSE helped you so far in your career? 

My masters in London helped me tremendously in my career, maybe not so much for what I’ve learned, but for helping me understand my field, and get a sense of the different topics/ activities/actors it was composed of. This means I was able to go out by myself after the Master and look for the information in the right place.

Also, the students were really diverse (more than 20 nationalities) and almost all had extensive work experience prior to the Master. I made really good friends and we all still stay in touch. It’s nice to have friends in your field with who you can bounce ideas.

What advice would you give to prospective or current LSE students?   

LSE offers a lot of conferences, extra-curriculum activities, etc. so I would recommend students to not only go to class, but also to attend these events. Also, read all the lectures! Of course, you can get by, by doing the minimum, but the teaching is so interesting, you should really take advantage of it. And finally, download all the articles and keep all the material given to you for after the Master. You never know when you might need it again (probably sooner than you think).

Overall, how do you look back on your LSE experience?

I would definitely recommend the Master in Health policy planning and financing to anyone interested in health policy and health financing. You get training from two amazing schools, the classes are really good quality and the students are awesome! I had a great time in London.

Numerical reasoning tests require you to understand numbers, interpret data and read charts and graphs. You will typically be asked to decide: Which of the options is correct, if any? Can the answer be deduced from the data presented?

Most numerical tests are pitched at GCSE (high school) level. For some jobs in the city you may be required to demonstrate an understanding similar to A Level maths.  

Topics you might face include fractions, decimals, percentages, elementary algebra, powers, coordinates & graphs, the straight line, simple linear equations, simultaneous equations, quadratic equations, approximations, averages, ratios, progressions or tables.

In some numerical tests you can use a calculator, in others you cannot. You will be given a time limit and must complete your test within that time. Time limits are intentionally tight and are often the most challenging aspect of the assessment.

How can I prepare for numerical reasoning tests?

There are many ways to practise numerical reasoning tests, for example:

• Login to GraduatesFirst to access three numerical reasoning tests via the LSE Careers subscription. Unlike many of the free online resources, this one will give you a personalised report and worked solutions to questions – use this to work out where you need to improve.

• A quick Google search will provide a list of free online practice tests. Try the following: AssessmentDay, NumericalReasoningTest.org or JobTestPrep
• Check the recruiting employer’s website, they might have some further advice or offer practice tests.

Make sure you do the practice tests under timed test conditions. Most people who score badly on numerical reasoning tests do so because they run out of time.

If you need to improve on certain mathematical areas, the following sites provide support:

• GCSE Bitesize – A school level website, covering the maths you need in numerical tests.
• National numeracy challenge – Use this site to check your numeracy and set targets to work towards. The focus is on maths needed for everyday life.
• MathCentre – A series of numeracy leaflets created by De Montfort University, which outline the basics, e.g. percentages, ratios, table and graph interpretation, currency and foreign exchange, shares and dividends, and much more.
• Books in the LSE Careers resource centre, for example, Mike Bryon’s How to pass graduate psychometric tests.

Other top tips include:

• create a study group with your friends so you can encourage and learn from each other
• complete Sudoku and brain training exercises
• use maths in your everyday life – add up your shopping, interpret data in the press, etc. 

How can I perform better on the day?

• Begin by making sure you understand the question properly. Read and digest the data provided and make the most of any example questions.

Many charities are run as professional businesses and carry out functions including research, lobbying and the raising and redistribution of funds. An internship with a charity can offer experience in these areas while providing an insight into the sector - vital when applying for highly competitive permanent positions after graduation.

What will I do?

Charity internships are normally less structured than in the private sector and often created to meet specific business needs or for work on a project.  Some organisations try to tailor schemes to give interns experience of different parts of the charity's operations so you may work in fundraising, policy, communications and marketing, events, administration and research.

Placements are normally a block of several weeks or months and it may be possible to get part time voluntary work during term time. Full time internships are often aimed at graduates and can last for a few weeks or months. Part time positions normally involve 1 - 3 days a week, sometimes during term time, and generally working in the charity office. Charities are often flexible and prepared to work around your commitments; occasionally, there may be opportunity to work flexibly from home.

Charities will often run shared internships where two people split a full time role between them. You don't need to find a friend to share with; the charity will decide on the two most suitable candidates and agree work days between them.

Pay

Internships or work placements in this sector are almost always unpaid and will be viewed as voluntary placements, though some offer daily stipends for travel and lunch.  See the LSE Volunteer Centre for advice on volunteering or book an appointment with the Volunteer Centre Co-ordinator on LSE CareerHub.

Applying

Most charities will only advertise when they have a need for, and are able to support, student volunteers, so there is no set time for applications. Most charities welcome speculative applications at any time. You will need to be able to commit time and energy to the placement, so consider applying for positions only when you know you can fit it around your academic work. It may be possible to undertake a placement as a graduate internship when you have completed university.  

Organisations offering internships

See below for a list of well known charities who may offer internships or voluntary positions fairly frequently. Do look beyond the big names and focus on charities operating in areas of particular interest to you. Smaller organisations often have greatest need of voluntary help,and may provide good experience in a range of roles.

Remember to search on LSE CareerHub for a range of volunteering opportunities; log in and search for 'volunteering' under opportunity type, or save 'volunteering' in your preferences for targeted information.

Look out for LSE Careers' annual Volunteering Fair in early October for a fantastic opportunity to meet with a range of charity organisations and find out more about voluntary positions and work in the sector.

From work experience to permanent work

Volunteering or interning with a charity is an excellent way to move into the charity, NGO or  the not for profit sector. Many charities will later employ previous interns in paid positions and will almost always look for experience of volunteering or charity internships on CVs when recruiting.

Few charities run graduate training schemes, but an internship may lead to subsequent paid work. As a volunteer, you may also gain access to the charity's internal vacancy board or hear about permanent vacancies through your new network of colleagues.  Oxfam estimates that around 50% of its interns go on to do short-term paid work for them afterwards.

Useful links

• LSE Volunteer Centre - advice and support for LSE volunteers.
• Prospects: Charities and voluntary work - lots of advice articles and job profiles.
• Work for an MP - a good source for adverts.
• CharityJob.co.uk - a well known charity vacancy website.
• Volunteering England - student volunteering - advice from the national volunteering development agency for England.

Organisations offering internships

• Cancer Research UK
• International Crisis Group
• Center for International Policy
• British Red Cross
• Environmental Justice Foundation
• World Land Trust
• Barnado's
• Oxfam
• Christian Aid
• Voluntary Services Overseas
• Amnesty International
• John Snow Inc

What are GRE/GMAT tests?

Many postgraduate programmes around the world ask applicants to take a standardised admissions test. The most widely used are the GRE General Test and the GMAT. The GMAT is designed for business school applicants, although many business schools now accept either the GMAT or the GRE. Some MSc programmes at LSE also require or recommend these test scores as part of a competitive application.

Both tests assess core skills used in postgraduate study, including analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning.

GRE General Test

What is the GRE?

The GRE General Test is used internationally for postgraduate admissions. It is an online exam that can be taken either in a test centre or at home, and it lasts one hour and 58 minutes.

What does the GRE assess?

• Analytical Writing: One 'Analyse an issue' task, which asks you to develop and support an argument.
• Verbal Reasoning: Two short sections, including reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence.
• Quantitative Reasoning: Two short sections with an on-screen calculator.

The GRE allows you to skip questions, review answers and work within each section in any order. The Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections are section-adaptive, meaning that the difficulty of the second section is based on your performance in the first.

Test frequency and score reporting

You may take the GRE once every 21 days, up to five times in any rolling 12-month period.

Score reports are available in your ETS account and sent to institutions 8-10 days after your test date.

You can find more details on registration, scores and test policies on the ETS website for test takers.

GMAT Exam

What is the GMAT?

The GMAT is widely used for MBA and management-related master’s programmes. The redesigned GMAT Exam is now the only version available. It is an online exam that can be taken in a test centre or at home. It lasts around two hours and 15 minutes, includes an optional 10-minute break and contains 64 questions.

What does the GMAT assess?

• Quantitative Reasoning: 21 questions in 45 minutes
• Verbal Reasoning: 23 questions in 45 minutes
• Data Insights: 20 questions in 45 minutes

You may take the three sections in any order. The GMAT is a computer adaptive test, meaning that the difficulty of questions adjusts based on your previous answers.

Test frequency and score reporting

You may take the GMAT once every 16 days, up to five times during a rolling 12-month period.

Official scores are available to you within 20 days of your exam. After receiving your score, you choose which institutions to send it to.

You can find further details on test content, registration and score reporting on the official MBA.com webpage on the GMAT exam.

Preparing for a GRE or GMAT test?

Preparing for these tests requires a sustained period of study. Many candidates use a mix of self-study, official preparation tools, online courses and timed practice exams. Understanding your weaker areas early on can help you choose materials that target those skills.

Official preparation resources

GRE

• Preparation materials and guidance from ETS

GMAT

• Free questions, tutorials and preparation tools on MBA.com

Additional free or low-cost resources

• Magoosh – practice questions and strategy blogs
• Kaplan – free events, strategy sessions and sample materials
• Princeton Review – free online practice events and study tools
• Chegg Test Prep – daily questions and short practice activities
• Manhattan Review – classroom and online prep courses (London‑based option)

This is not an exhaustive list and you may find other useful resources through online searches.

Preparing for the test day

Many candidates may be unfamiliar with the structure and format of these exams. Practising under timed conditions and becoming confident with the digital interface can help you feel prepared on the day.

Useful advice

GRE

• Official test day guidance from ETS

GMAT

• Official test day guidance from GMAC

Volunteer role applications can vary dramatically in terms of the time and effort it take to apply. Whatever the role, be it one hour a week mentoring young people or a 2 day a week internship, the most important thing is to be passionate about the charity and what they are trying to achieve.

• Make the effort! - Some applications will be very similar to applying for a paid job and should be given the same amount of effort. If you need help with CVs or cover letters then book a volunteering appointment with the Volunteer Coordinator or a CV/cover letter discussion on CareerHub.
• Give them time – Some charities may take longer than paid jobs to get back to you, keep this in mind when you are waiting and always follow up with an email and/or phone call.
• Make speculative applications – If there is a particular charity you are interested in volunteering with but they aren’t advertising any opportunities it is always worth contacting them to see if they have anything available. Try phoning them or sending an emailing explaining your interest in the charity and skills you could offer them.
• Network – Opportunities can appear in all types of places, make the most of every opportunity and network with friends, family and at events.
• Be committed – As a volunteer you do not sign a contract and so can leave at any time, however most positions will ask you to commit to a minimum of 6 – 9 months, especially if working with children or vulnerable adults. Make sure you are willing to make these commitments, it costs money and time to recruit each volunteer so try not to let them down.

Even if you're applying for part time, casual work, applications for work are always competitive. Spend time constructing a targeted, well presented application and you'll make it easy for the recruiter to see your suitability and commitment to the role.  

Follow the advice here, take a look at the CV and application sections and make sure you get your application checked by an adviser before you submit.

Applications take time

Online applications questions for internships can be tough; recruiters limit word counts for applications answers deliberately to force you to write concise and skillfully crafted answers. As many as 80% of applications can be rejected at first sift, so set aside plenty of time to complete your application. If possible, write your online application form answers offline so that you have time to edit and rework them and a safe copy to review when you get to interview.

Internships can be highly competitive

Penultimate year summer internship programmes, typical of investment banks, are fiercely competitive. These programmes are openly viewed by employers as a means of identifying their future graduate recruits; the conversion of interns to graduate recruits can be as high as 80%. There are often fewer summer internship places available than graduate positions and the pay and perks make them very attractive to students.  Your application needs to stand up against strong competition

LSE strongly advises that you limit your application to no more than five.  This will help you to produce the well focused, expertly written applications needed, while ensuring you don't jeopardise your academic study.

I don’t have enough experience

Recruiters understand that your work experience will be limited.  They are looking for you to demonstrate commitment through your research and understanding of the role and a capacity to develop the skills needed.  Look for examples of relevant skills in your academic work, your work with societies and clubs, part time jobs and voluntary positions.

Try to identify examples from a range of situations; employers are always keen to find well rounded candidates.  Make sure that you have addressed all competencies and any specific requirements such as I.T skills; don't be tempted to leave things out.

Get your application checked before submitting

We offer a range of services to help you learn good application writing skills. If nothing else, come and get your application or CV checked by an adviser before submitting. 

Make good use of the CV and Application form lunchtime seminars taking place regularly throughout Michaelmas and Lent, see LSE CareerHub for bookings. The careers resource centre has reference books on application and CV writing and lots of take away brochures and leaflets and the links below will guide you to key areas of the website for more detailed advice.

• Careers advice
• Careers events
• Internships timeline [pdf] - approximate overview of application timelines in different sectors

Convention de stages

If you need a 'convention de stage' please see the information on our internship agreement page.

Top Tips

• Target each application - you need to identify what the company wants and then show how you meet those requirements and why you want to work for that company, for every application.
• Deal with each of the competencies listed explicitly. If you don't meet their requirements exactly think around the problem. If you lack knowledge of an I.T programme, show how you can use similar ones, or demonstrate your aptitude for learning packages quickly; if relevant, you could also evidence attention to detail and work with figures. 
• Provide evidence, don't claim skills or experience without backing it up with proof  - and be precise, use facts and figures where possible.
• Space denotes importance -  on your CV, give more space to those academic or extra-curricular experiences that demonstrate skills or experience appropriate to the job role.

Useful links

• CVs

Stage 1: idea

Team

The team consists of only part-time founder(s) and is unincorporated.

Business model

The team has developed a preliminary business plan and/or pitch deck and may be looking to validate externally (business consultant/mentor).

Customers

No customers yet but the venture may be in discussions with potential customers to determine demand in the market. The pricing/revenue structure may have been developed, but needs market validation.

Revenue

The venture has no revenue.

Investors

The founder(s), their friends or family may have provided some seed investment.

Product

The specifications for a minimum viable product are in the process of being developed.

Stage 2: start-up

Team

The team consists of some part-time/full-time founder(s) or only full-time founder(s). The team has secured advisers and/or mentors in critical areas of the venture. The team has incorporated the venture.

Business model

The team has developed a full business plan and/or investor pitch deck with strategies put in place for marketing & sales and operations etc.

Customers

Market need has been validated through market research and initial sign-ups have come through in this pre-launch phase.

Revenue

The company is about to launch and has no revenue yet.

Investors

Investment may have been raised via friends/family or professional investors (angel, accelerators, funding competitions, venture capital etc).

Product

Launch is imminent.

Stage 3: growth

Team

The team consists of full-time founder(s) and is in the process of hiring employees and/or interns, and appointing advisory board members.

Business model

The team continues to refine the business model periodically based on market feedback.

Customers

The company has achieved significant traction and use-based growth.

Revenue

The company is collecting revenue.

Investors

Prior investment may have been raised and the founders are prepared to pitch to professional investors if additional capital is needed for continuous growth.

Product

The product has been launched and is periodically refined based on market feedback.

Below are just a few different areas you can volunteer in. This is by no means an extensive list and volunteering can be almost anything and everything. If you can't find a suitable role on the vacancy board get in touch with the Volunteer Coordinator to see if we can help.

Fundraising and Administration

Many charities are looking for people to support office work including fundraising and administration. This can be a great insight into how a charity works and your role could be very varied from helping writing funding proposals to communications and marketing work.

Environmental

Whether it be climate change campaigning, water way cleaning or animals and plants you are interested in there is a range of environmental opportunities. Many are one off opportunities with less commitment, though more substantial student led projects are available.

Children and Young People

There are lots of opportunities to volunteer with young people, whether within a primary or secondary school or with youth groups around the capital. Opportunities can include mentoring, training and workshops on different areas and fun activities with disabled children.

Elderly and disabled

Volunteer with elderly people and disabled, be it helping them with their shopping, chatting to them about days gone by and playing chess.

Homeless

Many LSE students are interested in volunteering with homeless groups/are looking to set up student projects to support homeless people close to campus. Find out about setting up your own volunteering project and search for opportunities with London based and national homeless charities on the vacancy board.

Trustee

Becoming a trustee is an excellent position to have on your CV, whilst also offering advice and support to a charity you are interested in. Trustee roles can vary from advisory roles to more hands on roles volunteering with the charity. 

International

There are hundreds of opportunities to volunteer abroad. For further details on organisations and tips for searching for international opportunities visit our opportunities abroad pages.

Research

Whether you are looking for research linked with your dissertation or thesis or interested in learning more about the work of a charity then you could do some bespoke research for them. There are several charities that have shown an interest in students contacting them about research. For further information contact the Volunteer Coordinator.

Refugees/migrants

Opportunities volunteering with refugee and migrant workers can vary from lunch and dinner time support, language skills and pro bono legal support, amongst other things.

Within LSE

There are various opportunities to get involved in volunteering projects on campus run by LSE students. Find out more about volunteering projects at LSE.

Whether you are an undergraduate or postgraduate, whether you have two hours to spare every Wednesday or are looking for something to do once in a while on a Sunday morning, volunteering could be for you.

Volunteering is about giving something back to the community and helping others, but it's a great way to help yourself too. You can:

• Make a difference to the local community
• Get insight into an area of work you are interested in – having some volunteer experience in your sector of interest will make you shine above others
• Gain practical/applied experience to complement your more theoretical learning from school
• Learn new skills and put your existing ones to good use
• Network
• Meet new people, get to know your local community, make new friends
• Have fun
• Get a reference
• Change your life!

How can volunteering boost my career?

Volunteering can be intrinsically rewarding in and of itself, but it can also help you bridge the gap between education and the world of work.

It is a fantastic way of learning new skills and gaining hands-on experience, which is essential to complement the academic and theoretical skills you already have from your degree. Volunteering can also be an ideal opportunity to learn about yourself, try new things and explore areas you previously have not considered. It allows you to discover where your real interests and passions are – according to a survey by Student Volunteering UK, 40% of student volunteers are so deeply affected by their volunteering that their career paths take a new direction!

Research by Reed employment amongst 200 leading businesses revealed that:

• 73% of employers would employ candidates with volunteering experience over those without
• 94% of employers believe that volunteering can add skills
• 94% of employees who volunteered to learn new skills had benefited either by getting their first job, improving their salary, or being promoted

We can help you find ways to participate in: 

• Internships and work experience: internship examples on the LSE Careers PhD Blog 
• Knowledge exchange, impact and outreach: examples on the LSE Careers PhD Blog and support from LSE KEI 
• Business awareness and consultancy: examples on the LSE Careers PhD Blog, consultancy at LSE 
• Improving your web presence and profile: examples from IR at LSE, using LinkedIn  
• Teaching (at LSE or elsewhere): support from the Teaching and Learning Centre for GTAs, LSE 100 Fellows 
• Conferences: examples on the LSE Careers website 
• Conference organising: tips from jobs.ac.uk 
• Research assistant work: some jobs are advertised at LSE, look elsewhere too eg: jobs.ac.uk 
• Networking: tips from jobs.ac.uk 
• Developing personal skills and interests: Lots of opportunities at LSE for example, in Sport, PhD Academy events, language courses, attending public events 
• Volunteering on or off campus: LSE Volunteering 
• Visiting Research: an example from LSE Economics find similar pages at the department / university of your choice 

Some illustrative examples of activities are given here. We suggest you talk through your ideas with the PhD Careers Consultant to help firm up and fulfill your plans and make the most of your time here. 

Searching and applying

It can be a big step to turn aside from an academic career after three or four years of your PhD.

Example CVs and cover letters

CVs

Download annotated example CVs below and use you mouse to view additional comments and notes on key features.

• Academic CV [pdf]
• Non-academic CV 1 [pdf]
• Non-academic CV 2 [pdf]

These example CVs can be used as a basis for developing your own CVs for different purposes. They all use the same profile so you can see how differently the same information can be presented for different audiences.

Find more information on writing CVs on the LSE Careers website.

Once you have completed your CV make an appointment with the PhD careers consultant to review the content.

Cover letters

Download cover letter notes for non-academic jobs [pdf] to give you some ideas about how to sell your transferable and specialised strengths and also allay some of the concerns non-academic employers sometimes have about employing a PhD.

Find more information on writing cover letters on the LSE Careers website.

Please note: CVs used here are completely fictional and have been created for the use of examples.

Internships

An internship is an excellent way of finding out more about a career outside academia. Internships vary in length, level of commitment, salary (some are unpaid) and outcome, so it helps to have an overview of how an internship will enhance your prospects and strengthen your CV.  A successful internship can often lead to a formal job opportunity.

Remember:  An internship will take place during normal office hours, reducing time for research.  Make sure that any commitment you make is not going to harm your PhD.

Useful resources

• Examples of LSE students who have had internships are on our Blog here

• LSE Parliamentary internships - exclusive internships in Parliament for LSE students.

• ESRC students can access internships and are encouraged to look at information on the ESRC website  

Remember: Any organisation that runs an internship programme will give information about their scheme on their website.  PhDs will usually be applying alongside graduates and masters students.  Therefore it’s important to read the material carefully to pick up clues about what they are looking for in an intern.  Also be very clear in your application, state what relevant skills and experience you can offer.

Getting started

• Business Education | The Economist

  Information about MBAs, including the top ranking places to study one.

• Council for Higher Education Accreditation

  Provides access to a list of all accredited higher education institutions and programmes in the USA. If an institution or a programme it offers is not accredited then the degrees it confirms (Masters or PhD) will not be recognised.

• EducationUSA

  For international students interested in studying in the USA covering all the major issues from finding the right programme, to funding, to making applications and visa requirements. There is a downloadable guide in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russi

• eduPASS

  Wide range of information about studying as an international student in the USA. Includes information on paying tax on pay, scholarships, grants and other funding. Information for international students who are thinking about pursuing an undergraduate, graduate, or professional education in the United States

• Find A Masters

  Search for taught and research masters degrees in the UK and Ireland.

• International graduate

  Graduate course search worldwide. Also contains useful general careers advice.

• Professional Doctorates | Home

  Find a professional doctorate world wide.

• Projectvisa.com

  Searchable database of visa and embassy information worldwide.

• Studee

  Free university and college advice for students worldwide who are considering studying abroad for an international education. Information on courses worldwide which are looking for international students, plus a guide to entry tests.

• Top Universities

  See worldwide university rankings, country and subject guides and information on studying abroad.

Choosing your postgraduate programme

• Council for Higher Education Accreditation

  Provides access to a list of all accredited higher education institutions and programmes in the USA. If an institution or a programme it offers is not accredited then the degrees it confirms (Masters or PhD) will not be recognised.

• GradSchools.com

  Search by subject for Masters and PhD programmes. Their 'information centre' gives advice on choosing programmes, funding, testing and making a good application. It is primarily targeted at a USA audience but also useful for international students.

• Peterson's

  Search facility for graduate programmes and an advice section for international students.

• US News Rankings

  Provides ranking information on doctoral programmes, e.g. rankings of doctoral programmes in the social sciences and humanities are based on the results of peer assessment surveys sent to academics in each discipline.

Applying

The primary source for information on application requirements, processes, deadlines and fees are the institutional and departmental websites for the programmes you are considering applying to.

Useful sources on writing an effective Statement of Purpose are below.

LSE Careers guidance notes:

• See Writing a successful statement of purpose for postgraduate study in the USA

Testing

See LSE Careers page on GRE/GMAT.

Funding

The biggest source of funding for both US and international students wishing to undertake postgraduate study in the USA are the universities, colleges and schools themselves. Therefore, look on the institutional and departmental websites for the programmes you are considering applying to. Listed below are some resources to help you research and apply for additional sources of funding though independent scholarships and grants.

• American Association of University Women

  Offers Fellowships to US and international graduate students and postdoctoral researchers.

• American Psychological Association (APA)

  Association for Psychologists in the U.S.

• American Sociological Association

  Helps sociologists in their work.

• BUNAC

  Bunac Best Scholarships are 'top up' grants available to students intending to undertake a postgraduate course in the USA or Canada.

• Council of Graduate Schools

  Comprehensive list of graduate fellowship opportunities at Masters and PhD level, many are for US citizens only but there are several open to international students.

• eduPASS

  Wide range of information about studying as an international student in the USA. Includes information on paying tax on pay, scholarships, grants and other funding. Information for international students who are thinking about pursuing an undergraduate, graduate, or professional education in the United States

• Fulbright Commission

  The Fulbright Commission's US Educational Advisory Service (EAS) is the UK's primary source of free information on study in the USA. Also find information about the Fulbright Award.

• GradSchools.com

  Search by subject for Masters and PhD programmes. Their 'information centre' gives advice on choosing programmes, funding, testing and making a good application. It is primarily targeted at a USA audience but also useful for international students.

• International graduate

  Graduate course search worldwide. Also contains useful general careers advice.

• Kennedy Memorial Trust

  Available for UK citizens applying to undertake postgraduate study at Harvard or MIT.

• P.E.O. International

  Open to women of all nationalities (other than US or Canadian citizens) applying for postgraduate study in the USA or Canada.

• The American Political Science Association

  Leading professional organization for the study of political science

• The Thouron Award

  For postgraduate study at the University of Pennsylvania by UK citizens. There are also awards for US citizens.

• Wingate Scholarships

  Applications from specified nationalities, resident in the UK and planning to undertake doctoral and postdoctoral studies in the USA may be eligible.

The term postdoctoral research fellowship refers to independent sources of funding that you can apply for as an early career researcher to do your own research project. These are prestigious and highly competitive but give an excellent opportunity to focus on research for a period of time without a heavy teaching load.

Here are some of the more well known schemes:

• British Academy fellowships
• Leverhulme Trust research fellowships
• Max Weber Postdoctoral Programme
• ESRC Postdoctoral Fellowships
• Axa Research Fund Post-doctoral Fellowships

Other ways to find out about fellowships:

• The UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) website hosts a Funding Finder for information about postdocs and beyond
• Research Division at LSE. Sign up to their research briefing.
• Research Professional
  A database of funding opportunities to which LSE has a subscription. Create an account from an LSE computer and then access it off-site using your account. It includes funding at all levels including conference funding, travel funds, early-career research fellowships etc.
• Internal funding is also available in some circumstances.
• External sources are also listed on the HR site.